Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology

Abstract

Background: Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in clinical practice and are frequently co-prescribed with other medications various indications. This polypharmacy increases the risk of drug-drug interactions, which can lead to adverse drug events, treatment failure and increased healthcare costs. India being one of the top consumers of antibiotics, evaluating potential DDIs is crucial for optimizing patient safety. Aims and Objectives: To assess the prevalence, severity, and clinical relevance of potential drug–drug interactions involving antimicrobial agents among adult patients in a tertiary care centre. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at HIMS Teaching Hospital, Hassan. A total of 400 treatment charts and prescriptions of adult patients prescribed with antibiotics were reviewed. DDIs were identified using the Lexicomp and Medscape drug interaction databases and categorized by severity and analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. Results: A total of 2,284 drugs were prescribed across 400 prescriptions, with an average of 5.71±1.62 drugs per patient and antibiotics accounted for 31.69% of prescriptions (31.69%). Lexicomp identified 68 potential DDIs, most of which were minor (Category C: 70.5%), followed by monitoring-required (D: 23.5%) and contraindicated (X: 16.1%) combinations. Medscape reported 142 potential DDIs: minor (69.95%), monitor closely (22.3%) and contraindicated (7.75%). No significant correlation was observed between the number of drugs per prescription and the number of DDIs. Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline and Aminoglycosides were most frequently involved in interactions. Conclusion: The study highlights the frequent occurrence of potential DDIs involving antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Lexicomp and Medscape databases showed significant variability in DDI detection, emphasizing the need for clinicians to use reliable drug interaction tools during prescribing. Continued pharmacovigilance and antibiotic stewardship are essential to reduce DDI-related risks in hospitalized patients.