Potential drug-drug interactions in the neurology ward of a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan

Purpose: To identify and report the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) in a neurology ward, as well as their levels and association with risk factors.Methods: The study was conducted in the neurology ward of Northwest General Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan. Medical records of 205 randomly selected patients were retrospectively reviewed for potential drug-drug interactions using Micromedex Drug-Reax Software.Results: The total number of interactions identified were 633. About 96 % of the patients showed at least one type of potential interaction regardless of its severity. The identified pDDIs were categorized on the basis of severity, scientific evidence and onset. Based on severity, of the total of 633 pDDIs, 62.2 % were of major type while 31.8 % were of moderate type. On the basis of scientific evidence, 16.42 % were excellent type, 32.22 % in good category while fair category was the highest (55.60 %). The onset categories such as rapid (27.64 %), delayed (24.96 %) and non-specified onset (53.71 %) were also noted.Conclusion: Computerized DDIs programs are very helpful in minimizing harmful drug interactions. With this type of program, this better patient health outcomes can be achieved.Keywords: Drug-drug interaction, Patients, Drug reactio