by New research suggests that approximately 21.4% of children experience drug-drug interactions (DDIs) when exposed to multiple medications. The study, led by Dr. Kathryn E. Kyler from Children’s Mercy Kansas City in Missouri, aimed to determine the prevalence of major DDI exposure and identify factors associated with higher DDI rates among children in an outpatient setting. The findings also highlighted specific drugs commonly involved in DDIs and their associated adverse effects.
The cross-sectional study included a total of 781,019 children between the ages of 0 and 18 who had at least one ambulatory encounter and were prescribed two or more outpatient medications. Among these children, 21.4% were found to have experienced one or more major DDI exposures. The likelihood of DDI exposure was found to increase with age and with the presence of medical and mental health complexities.
Clonidine, psychiatric medications, and asthma medications were identified as the most frequently implicated drugs in these interactions. For every 100 children included in the study, the highest rates of adverse physiological effects resulting from DDIs were increased drug concentrations, central nervous system depression, and heart rate-corrected QT interval prolongation, with rates of 14.6, 13.6, and 9.9, respectively.
The authors of the study emphasize the importance of prescribers considering how and when to counsel patients regarding the risk of adverse drug events associated with DDIs. They recommend that prescribers should also be aware of when to monitor for adverse drug events in patients knowingly exposed to DDIs, especially when the potential benefits of the medications outweigh the risks.
DDIs occur when two or more drugs interact with each other in a way that alters their effects on the body. These interactions can lead to adverse effects, reduced efficacy of one or more medications, or even toxicity. Therefore, identifying and addressing DDIs is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of a patient’s medication regimen, particularly in pediatric settings where children may be taking multiple medications concurrently.
Further research is needed to delve deeper into the specific mechanisms behind DDIs and their implications for pediatric patients. Future studies could explore strategies to minimize the occurrence of DDIs and develop guidelines for prescribers to optimize medication safety in children.
In summary, this study highlights the prevalence of DDIs in children receiving multiple medications in an outpatient setting. The findings underscore the importance of healthcare professionals being vigilant in identifying and managing DDIs to prevent adverse outcomes and optimize patient care.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
