Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE CASE CONTROL STUDY ON DRUG INTERACTIONS AMONG ELDERLY CANCER PATIENTS

Hyder Ali M.* and Rama P.

ABSTRACT

Aim/Objective: Drug interactions are more common in cancer patients because they consume several medications for cancer as well as co-morbidities. This study is aimed to explain the types and frequency of drug-drug interactions in cancer patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for 8 months (January 2019 to august 2019). Data on drugs were collected by reviewing the patient’s medical records. The drug interactions fact software Micromedex multidrug interaction checker tool was used to identify and analyze the pattern of DDIs. Results: Depending on their age, patients were categorized into two groups which are case group (55years old and above) and control group (18-54 years old).Case group populations were found to have more number of drug interactions. According to the severity of classification of DDIs, majority of them were moderate followed by major and minor interactions. The effects of interactions were QT interval prolongation, abnormal electrolytes, irregular heartbeat and they were the common outcomes of DDIs. Conclusion: The most common interacting drug pair in the study population was found to be Amlodipine + Domperidone followed by Cisplatin + Furosemide and other interacting pairs. The present study shows a high prevalence of moderate drug interactions in case group patients. Majority of interactions were found between chemotherapeutic drug and co-administered drugs and also between Co-administered drugs which indicates the co-administered drugs have increased the occurrence of drug interactions in case group patients. The drug interactions were managed using dose reduction or tapering, continuous monitoring of patients.

Keywords: Drug-drug interactions, Cancer, Case group, Control group.