Evaluation of Drug–Drug Interactions in Polypharmacy Among Elderly Patients

Abstract

With the growing prevalence of comorbidities among the elderly population, polypharmacy has become a common practice, raising significant concerns about drug–drug interactions (DDIs). This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and clinical implications of DDIs in elderly patients aged 65 years and above who were prescribed five or more medications during hospitalization at a tertiary care hospital. Data from 150 patient records were analyzed using Lexicomp® and Micromedex® drug interaction checkers. The findings revealed that 78.7% of patients experienced at least one potential DDI, with a total of 439 interactions identified—of which 55.4% were of moderate severity and 22.3% were major. A statistically significant association (p < 0.001) was observed between the number of medications and the occurrence of DDIs. The most frequent interacting drug classes included antihypertensives with NSAIDs, anticoagulants with antibiotics, and oral hypoglycemics with corticosteroids. The study highlights the need for routine DDI screening, rational prescribing, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance medication safety in geriatric care.