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HYPERTENSION AND POLYPHARMACY: IDENTIFYING AND MITIGATING DRUG-DRUG INTERACTION RISKS

Asfia Arooje*, Faiza Tabassum, Muhammad Naeem, Zainab Sadiqqa, Mudassar Mazher, Tayyaba Zahid, Minal Maqsood, Maham Ilyas, Iram Ilyas, Amir Jalal

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Abstract

Background: Hypertension management often involves polypharmacy, which can increase the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and subsequent adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and management of DDIs among hypertensive patients attending primary healthcare centers in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 405 hypertensive patients recruited from primary healthcare centers. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, and prescribed medications were collected. Potential DDIs were identified using a standardized drug interaction database, and their clinical significance was assessed. Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with significant DDIs.

Results: The prevalence of potential DDIs among hypertensive patients was found to be 34.6%. Major risk factors for significant DDIs included advanced age, presence of multiple comorbidities, and the use of five or more medications. The most common interactions involved antihypertensive agents, antiplatelets, and statins. Notably, 22.3% of identified DDIs had the potential to cause clinically significant ADRs. Patient education and regular monitoring were highlighted as crucial strategies in mitigating the risks associated with DDIs.

Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of DDIs in hypertensive patients, particularly those with multiple comorbidities and on polypharmacy regimens. Effective management strategies, including patient education and routine monitoring, are essential to minimize the risk of ADRs and optimize hypertension treatment outcomes. The findings advocate for enhanced pharmacovigilance and tailored interventions to improve patient safety in hypertension management.

Keywords: Hypertension, drug-drug interactions, polypharmacy, primary healthcare, pharmacovigilance, adverse drug reactions, Drug-drug interactions (DDIs), Polypharmacy, Chronic polypharmacy, Elderly population, Hypertension (HTN), Blood pressure classification, Pharmacologic therapy,  Combination therapy, Drug-food interactions, Drug-condition interactions, Pharmacovigilance, Drug interaction examples, Anti-hypertensive drugs interactions, Antimicrobials interactions, hypoglycemic drugs interactions, Drug therapy for concomitant diseases, Clinical trials Phase IV, Risk factors evaluation, Therapeutic effects, Side effect profiles.