POTENTIAL DRUG-DRUG INTERACTION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS IN TREATMENT WITH ANTIHYPERTENSIVE

Abstract

Antihypertensive medications are often used in combination. This can increase the potential for drug interactions, which may lead to adverse drug reactions and affect the efficacy and safety of each drug. Elderly patients are at a higher risk of drug-related problems due to declining organ function, increasing the risk of complications from other diseases. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design with an observational approach. The data used was prescriptions from Karya Sehat Pharmacy from January to March 2024. Potential interactions were identified using UpToDate's Lexidrug database. Results: There were 122 prescriptions (29.53%) with the potential for drug interactions, with a total of 184 potential interactions consisting of 7 potential (3.80%) minor interactions, 172 potential (93.48%) moderate interactions, and 5 potential (2.72%) major interactions. Based on the mechanism, 85 potentials (46.20%) were pharmacokinetic, 90 potentials (48.91%) were pharmacodynamic, and 9 potentials (4.89%) were unknown. Conclusion: There is a potential for drug interactions in antihypertensive prescriptions for elderly patients, which can affect the efficacy and safety of the medication. Most drug interactions occurred at the pharmacodynamic phase and a moderate severity level. Management of interactions begins with patient education, monitoring the patient's clinical condition, therapy modification, or recommending therapy replacement.