Risk factors for potential drug interactions in general practice

Lars Bjerrum, Beatriz Gonzalez Lopez-Valcarcel, Gert Petersen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

61 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To identify patient- and practice-related factors associated with potential drug interactions. Methods: A register analysis study in general practices in the county of Funen, Denmark. Prescription data were retrieved from a population-based prescription database (Odense University Pharmacoepidemiologic Database, OPED) covering prescriptions to all inhabitants in the county of Funen, Denmark. All individuals exposed to concurrent use of two or more drugs (polypharmacy) were identified. Combinations of drugs with potential interactions were registered and classified as major, moderate, or minor, depending on the severity of outcome and the quality of documentation. A two-level random coefficient logistic regression model was used to investigate factors related to potential drug interactions. Results: One-third of the population was exposed to polypharmacy, and 6% were exposed to potential drug interactions during 1 year. Patient factors associated with increased risk of potential drug interactions were high age, a high number of concurrently used drugs, and a high number of prescribers. Practice factors associated with potential drug interactions were a high percentage of elderly patients and a low percentage of female patients listed. Conclusion: Prescription data may be useful in quality-improvement programmes to identify groups of patients and practices at increased risk of drug interactions.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of General Practice
Volume14
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)23-29
Number of pages6
ISSN1381-4788
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

Cite this