Introduction to Drug-Drug Interactions

Abstract

Innovations in drug development have led to the introduction of many chemical entities in clinical practice over the past 60 years. This innovation coupled with the increasing use of polypharmacy has raised the potential for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions. The current chapter provides a basic overview of the mechanisms and preclinical prediction of drug interactions. The interpretation of the results of clinical drug studies and the necessity for continued review of primary literature on this topic are discussed.