Risk Factors for Potential Drug-drug Interactions in Patients with Pneumonia

Objective: The goal of our study was to discover and analyze possible risk factors for and possible protective factors against the occurrence of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) in a hospitalized patient with community-acquired pneumonia.

Materials And Methods: The central outcome was the incidence of pDDIs in patients with community-acquired pneumonia checked by Lexicomp and Micromedex interaction checkers.

Results: The most severe pDDIs (Consider therapy modification D/Avoid combination X/Major/Contraindicated) were found in 19 (20%) and 54 (58%) patients, according to Lexicomp and Micromedex, respectively. Patients with community-acquired pneumonia who were older, smokers, and with more prescribed drugs by more than a few independent prescribers had a higher risk to experience pDDIs. Possible protective factors were longer length of hospitalization, transfer from the Emergency Department, antiarrhythmic drugs as well as an anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusion: In conclusion, community-acquired pneumonia patients with the above-mentioned factors should have their treatment more deeply monitored for pDDIs.