Assessment of Comorbidities, Polypharmacy and Drug Therapy Problems Among Hypertensive Patients at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

The treatment of hypertension requires special attention because of comorbid conditions and polypharmacy. A previous study found that polypharmacy was associated with a high risk of drug therapy problems (DTPs). The study aimed to analyze the correlation between comorbidity, polypharmacy and drug therapy problems in hypertensive patients. A prospective observational study was conducted among 100 hypertensive patients in Navodaya medical college hospital, Raichur for a period of three months. Classification DTPs were done using Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe V6.02. The data obtained were analyzed using univariate descriptive analysis. The result revealed that a total of 87 DTP were identified in 70 patients out of 100 study subjects. From the patients studied 53 (76%) had at least one DTP. Unnecessary drugs 30 (43%) followed by potential interactions 23 (33%) and need additional drug therapy 20 (26%) were the most common DTP identified. Similarly comorbidity was found in 69 study subjects. Independent factors which predicted the occurrence of DTPs in the study population were presence of comorbidity in 69% and polypharmacy in 75% of hypertensive patients. A significant percentage of patients being treated for hypertension experienced DTP. These DTPs were associated with poor blood pressure control. The implementation of clinical pharmacy services for all patients with hypertension is strongly recommended. The role of clinical pharmacists and physicians in monitoring drug therapy needs to be prioritized to prevent and resolve DTPs in patients with hypertension. Thus efforts that could boost compliance and minimizes substance use should be adopted.