OBJECTIVE: To detect the frequency of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in an outpatient group of elderly people in 6 European countries, as well as to describe differences among countries. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS: Drug use data were collected from 1601 elderly persons living in 6 European countries. The study population participated in a controlled intervention study over 18 months investigating the impact of pharmaceutical care. Potential DDIs were studied using a computerized detection program. RESULTS: The elderly population used on average 7.0 drugs per person; 46% had at least 1 drug combination possibly leading to a DDI. On average, there were 0.83 potential DDIs per person. Almost 10% of the potential DDIs were classified to be avoided according to the Swedish interaction classification system, but nearly one-third of them were to be avoided only for predisposed patients. The risk of subtherapeutic effect as a result of a potential DDI was as common as the risk of adverse reactions. Furthermore, we found differences in the frequency and type of potential DDIs among the countries. CONCLUSIONS: Potential DDIs are common in elderly people using many drugs and are part of a normal drug regimen. Some combinations are likely to have negative effects; more attention must be focused on detecting and monitoring patients using such combinations. As differences in potential DDIs among countries were found, the reasons for this variability need to be explored in further studies.
OBJECTIVE: To detect the frequency of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in an outpatient group of elderly people in 6 European countries, as well as to describe differences among countries. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS: Drug use data were collected from 1601 elderly persons living in 6 European countries. The study population participated in a controlled intervention study over 18 months investigating the impact of pharmaceutical care. Potential DDIs were studied using a computerized detection program. RESULTS: The elderly population used on average 7.0 drugs per person; 46% had at least 1 drug combination possibly leading to a DDI. On average, there were 0.83 potential DDIs per person. Almost 10% of the potential DDIs were classified to be avoided according to the Swedish interaction classification system, but nearly one-third of them were to be avoided only for predisposed patients. The risk of subtherapeutic effect as a result of a potential DDI was as common as the risk of adverse reactions. Furthermore, we found differences in the frequency and type of potential DDIs among the countries. CONCLUSIONS: Potential DDIs are common in elderly people using many drugs and are part of a normal drug regimen. Some combinations are likely to have negative effects; more attention must be focused on detecting and monitoring patients using such combinations. As differences in potential DDIs among countries were found, the reasons for this variability need to be explored in further studies.
Authors: Eric N van Roon; Sander Flikweert; Marianne le Comte; Pim N J Langendijk; Wilma J M Kwee-Zuiderwijk; Paul Smits; Jacobus R B J Brouwers Journal: Drug Saf Date: 2005 Impact factor: 5.606
Authors: Jörg Indermitte; Laura Erba; Marianne Beutler; Rudolf Bruppacher; Walter E Haefeli; Kurt E Hersberger Journal: Eur J Clin Pharmacol Date: 2007-01-11 Impact factor: 2.953
Authors: Alexander Bennett; Danijela Gnjidic; Mark Gillett; Peter Carroll; Slade Matthews; Kristina Johnell; Johan Fastbom; Sarah Hilmer Journal: Drugs Aging Date: 2014-03 Impact factor: 3.923
Authors: L Magro; A Conforti; F Del Zotti; R Leone; M L Iorio; I Meneghelli; D Massignani; E Visonà; U Moretti Journal: Eur J Clin Pharmacol Date: 2007-11-09 Impact factor: 2.953