Potential drug interactions in elderly patients at the medical clinic of a university hospital

Abstract

Incidents that cause harm to the patient occur daily in health institutions. Studies reveal that approximately 10% of all adverse drug events are related to a drug interaction (DI). The aim of the study was to evaluate potential DIs in patients at the medical clinic of a university hospital. The study was cross-sectional and prospective, with a quantitative-qualitative approach, from August to December 2020. The survey was carried out with all hospitalized elderly patients. Data collection was performed through the analysis of medical records, from the fifth to the tenth day of hospitalization. Patient data were analyzed through the prescription with emphasis on the drugs that were administered. DIs were classified according to severity and mechanism of action according to the database. Pharmaceutical interventions were performed, when necessary, and the degree of acceptance by the health care team was evaluated. After collection, data were recorded and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, as well as comparative statistics. It was found that 33.33% of the patients had the possibility of developing severe MI, the most frequent being between spironolactone and losartan, which may cause hyperkalemia. The most performed interventions were the monitoring of signs, symptoms and laboratory findings. Polymedicated and hypertensive patients are more susceptible to MI, as antihypertensive drugs are one of the classes most involved in the occurrence of MI. Thus, the pharmacist's role can be one of the main instruments to prevent DIs, which can contribute to patient safety.