Prevalence of drug–drug interactions in the inpatient pharmacy at
Al-Kharj hospital, Saudi Arabia.
Student Name: Omar AL-Aliwah ID:439050099,
Supervisor: Dr.Ahmed Albassam
Abstract
Background: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) could lead to major
adverse events and therapeutic failure. A significant number DDI
are preventable and can be avoided once the factors that lead to it
are identified.
Aim of study: was to determine the frequency of DDIs among
patients admitted to at tertiary hospitals in Kharj, Saudi Ariba.
Method: A retrospective study to estimate the prevalence of
drug–drug interactions among admitted patients at tertiary
hospitals at Kharj, Saudi Arabia between January and December
2022. Micromedex Drug-Reax® was used to identified and
classified DDIs in prescribed drugs. The study was started after
obtaining the ethical approval. The collected data was entered
into Excel and descriptive statistic was done.
Result: 141 parents participated in the study with an average of 6
prescriptions per patients. The mean age was 47.7 and 76,53%
were female., 38.29% of patient have no drug-drug interaction.
Most of drug-drug interaction was minor (28.5%) and the most
common DDI was (Fentanyl + Meperidine ).
RESULT
Methodology
• Study design: a retrospective study to estimate the prevalence of drug–
drug interactions for admitted patients to tertiary hospitals at Al-Kharj
hospitals, Saudi Arabia.
• Electronic medical records was reviewed between January and December
2022.
• Adult patients who are taking more than one medication and have an
active medical record will be included in the study.
• The sample size for this study was 141 patients and convenience
sampling technique was used.
Result
5% Omeprazole
(88)
(106)
Enoxaparin (124)
6,4%
MALE
FEMEAL
65 (46%)
Age 14 to 89
Average are 47±17.9 (mean ±SD)
76 (54%)
Weight 29 to 170
Average are 75±20 (mean ± 𝑆𝐷)
10%
20%
SA 90%
Egypt
2.88%
iv
Yemen
2.14%
Classification of department
General surgery 51%
Internal medicine 19.1%
Cardiology 7%
Ophthalmology 7%
Neurology 7%
Gastroenterology 5%
Psychotic 2%
• Drug-drug interactions which occur between two drugs and
they are classified to minor, moderate and major.
40%
50%
60%
70%
Dosage form
PO
TAB
496
CAP
171
BOTTLE 59
IV
AMP
317
VIAL
645
SYRING 61
• In the study we found that 82 of 141 patients have at least one
DDI (60%)
• The age was between 14-89 and average weight was75kg.
• Most of the prescription were from general surgery
department (51%)
• The most common type of DDI was minor (28.5%) follow by
major (25,6%) and then moderate (17%)
• The most identified DDI was fentanyl with meperidine.
Conclusion
Top 5 DDI
Fentanyl + Meperidine (37)
Metronidazole + Acetaminophen (28)
Metronidazole + Fentanyl (20)
Acetaminophen + Enoxaparin (16)
Acetaminophen + Heparin (15)
class of DDI
Minor
None
Major
Moderate
Contraindications
Total
po
30%
Discussion
Bangladesh
Philippines
Sudan are
0.71%
• There are three types of drug interactions, drug-food
interactions, drug-condition interactions, and drug-drug
interactions.
Paracetamol (195)
10%
Dosage form
• Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are changes in a drug's
pharmacokinetics or effect by the presence of another drug,
which can lead to losing of efficacy or toxicity.
• Hospitalized patients are more likely to experience these DDIs
because of severe and complex illnesses, and comorbid
conditions, chronic use of medications.
Fentanyl (81)
4.5%Ceftriaxone
0%
Introduction
• A significant number DDI are preventable and can be avoided
by minimizing the use of multiple drug treatments. Multiple
drugs treatment is a potential risk of DDI when its
unnecessary.
4.1%
IRB
Conclusion: The prevalence of DDI among admitted patients
was 60%, which indicates a need for special care when handling
the prescriptions .To prevent DDIs, by Physicians and
pharmacists should to by more aware of these potential of DDIs.
• Minor drug interactions do not cause any substantial
problems, while moderate drug interactions may lead to a
patient's clinical condition getting worse. Major drug
interactions have the potential to result in a condition that is
life-threatening
TOP 5 drug use from 1947 prescription
Count of frequency of DDI
58
54
52
36
3
203
Example of Class of DDI
Minor
Metronidazole + Acetaminophen
Moderat
Enoxaparin + clopidogrel
Major
Fentanyl + Meperidine
Contraindication
Ceftriaxone + calcium carbonate
The prevalence of DDI among admitted patient was 60%, which
indicates a need for special care when handling the prescriptions.
To prevent DDIs, by Physicians and pharmacists should to by
more aware of these potential of DDIs.
References:-