Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Pediatric Patients of a Teaching Hospital In Northern Cyprus: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Hospitalized infants and children are exposed to various medications, leading to potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs). A retrospective observational study was conducted in a Northern Cyprus tertiary hospital to determine the frequency, types, and associated factors of pDDIs in hospitalized pediatric patients. All charts of pediatric patients hospitalized between September 1st, 2017, and August 30, 2018, were reviewed. Medications used concomitantly during hospitalization were screened for pDDIs using three DDI databases; Lexicomp TM 3.0.2, drugs.com, and Medscape. Of the 332 patients examined, 230 (69.2%) patient files met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence rates of pDDIs were 27.8%, 24.8%, and 23%, according to Lexicomp, Drugs.com, and Medscape databases, respectively. Young children (aged 2-6) had the highest percentage of pDDIs with a significant difference between databases (P < 0.05).Patients with pDDIs had longer hospital stays and were on more medications than those without (P < 0.05). Our study revealed that moderate severity pDDIs were common, and there were significant variations between databases. While severe pDDIs are rare, they may be life threatening. Collaborative efforts involving pediatricians and clinical pharmacists are necessary to address pDDIs in pediatric medication management. Utilizing multiple databases to enhance pDDI identification and prevention is also crucial.

Keywords

• drug interactions
• pediatrics
• drug safety
• clinical pharmacist
• hospital stay

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