Potential Drug–Drug Interactions among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Medical Wards of a Referral Hospital, North-East of Iran: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hospitalized corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are special population in term of drug-drug interaction (DDI), as they receive various experimental novel medications and also most of them are elderly with various comorbidities and consequently numerous medications. The aim of present study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of potential DDIs in hospitalized COVID-19 patients admitted to the medical ward of a Referral Hospital in North-East of Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among COVID-19 inpatients between March 2020 and April 2020. Prescribed medication being taken concurrently for at least 24 h were included and checked for DDI using Lexicomp® online drug reference. Data were analyzed using SPSS19. Results: A total of 88 patients were evaluated. The cardiovascular disease was the most common comorbidity (30.68%). The median number of medications prescribed for each patient was 5. Hydroxychloroquine was the most common prescribed medication for COVID-19 management (92.05%). About two-third (62.5 %) of patients were exposed to at least one potential C (84.09 %) or D (52.27%) DDI and no X DDIs were found. Patients with at least five prescribed medications were at higher risk of having DDI (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Drug–drug interaction in COVID-19 inpatients was common. Considering these DDIs, clinical pharmacist involvement can be helpful in minimizing the risk of these potentially harmful drug combinations.