New Research On The Clinical Significance Of Drug Interactions
Drug interactions represent a significant public health concern, contributing to a considerable extent of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and hospitalizations annually. The likelihood of drug interactions escalates with the number of medications an individual is consuming and is particularly elevated among older adults and those with chronic health conditions.
Ongoing research continuously unveils insights into the clinical significance of drug interactions. Presented here are a few of the most recent findings.
- Drug interactions are more common than previously thought. According to a study published in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, the prevalence of drug interactions among older adults is found to be over 20% annually. This rate is considerably higher than the previously estimated range of 5-10%.
- Drug interactions can have serious consequences. A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine revealed drug interactions as a significant contributor to hospital admissions among older adults. The study identified drug interactions as the cause of more than 6% of hospital admissions in older adults, and over 10% of hospital admissions in older adults with multiple chronic health conditions.
- New drugs are more likely to interact with other medications. A study published in the journal Drug Safety has revealed that newer drugs are prone to a higher likelihood of interacting with other medications compared to older drugs. This can be attributed to the increased complexity and unique mechanisms of action commonly associated with new drug developments.
