Drug—Drug Interactions in the Elderly

• DOI: 10.1345/aph.1a484
• Publication Date: 2003-06-04T20:10:01Z
• Authors: Ingeborg K Björkman; Johan Fastbom; Ingrid K Schmidt; Cecilia B Bernsten; ; Cecilia B Bernsten; Ingeborg K Björkman; Margarida Caramona; Grainne Crealey; Bente Frøkjær; Erika Grünberger; Tove Gustafsson; Martin Henman; Hanne Herborg; Carmel Hughes; James C McElnay; Maeve Magner; Foppe van Mil; Marion Schaeffer; Sonia Silva; Birthe Søndergaard; Ian Sturgess; Dick Tromp; Lisa Vivero; Almut Winterstein
• Keywords: Drug reaction; Regimen

OBJECTIVE: To detect the frequency of potential drug—drug interactions (DDIs) in an outpatient group elderly people 6 European countries, as well to describe differences among countries. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS: Drug use data were collected from 1601 persons living The study population participated a controlled intervention over 18 months investigating impact pharmaceutical care. Potential DDIs studied using computerized detection program. RESULTS: used on average 7.0 drugs per person; 46% had at least 1 drug combination possibly leading DDI. On average, there 0.83 person. Almost 10% classified be avoided according Swedish interaction classification system, but nearly one-third them only for predisposed patients. risk subtherapeutic effect result DDI was common adverse reactions. Furthermore, we found and type CONCLUSIONS: are many part normal regimen. Some combinations likely have negative effects; more attention must focused detecting monitoring patients such combinations. As countries found, reasons this variability need explored further studies.