Usage of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) And Their Interaction With Other Concurrently Used Drugs in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Background: The elderly consume a disproportionate amount of prescription and non-prescription medications. Thus, elderly patients are highly susceptible to poly-pharmacy, which may cause drug-drug interactions. The main objective of this study is to evaluate usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and its interaction with other concurrently used drugs in elderly patients.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was performed with sample size 580 older patients of age 60 or above. Prescription, medical card, questionnaire and US-FDA drug interaction checker software (www.drugs.com) were used to collect information. . Odds ratio (95%CI) was used in all logistic regression analysis. All analyses were considered significant when p<0.001.

Results: Average number of NSAIDs prescribed per prescription was 2.09 and average number of drugs per prescription was 6.49. Drug interactions were found in 231 participants among 237 participants suffering from hypertension and in 168 participants among 176 participants suffering from diabetes.

Conclusion: Moderate and few severe drug-drug interaction among the elderly were common that warrants attention of prescribers and pharmacists. With the age number of chronic illnesses are common in elderly patients which increases the number of drug in prescription or polypharmacy. Polypharmacy increases the risk of drug interaction.