Risk factors for potential drug interactions in general practice.
OBJECTIVE
To identify patient- and practice-related factors associated with potential drug interactions.


METHODS
A register analysis study in general practices in the county of Funen, Denmark. Prescription data were retrieved from a population-based prescription database (Odense University Pharmacoepidemiologic Database, OPED) covering prescriptions to all inhabitants in the county of Funen, Denmark. All individuals exposed to concurrent use of two or more drugs (polypharmacy) were identified. Combinations of drugs with potential interactions were registered and classified as major, moderate, or minor, depending on the severity of outcome and the quality of documentation. A two-level random coefficient logistic regression model was used to investigate factors related to potential drug interactions.


RESULTS
One-third of the population was exposed to polypharmacy, and 6% were exposed to potential drug interactions during 1 year. Patient factors associated with increased risk of potential drug interactions were high age, a high number of concurrently used drugs, and a high number of prescribers. Practice factors associated with potential drug interactions were a high percentage of elderly patients and a low percentage of female patients listed.


CONCLUSIONS
Prescription data may be useful in quality-improvement programmes to identify groups of patients and practices at increased risk of drug interactions.
Bjerrum
Lars
L
Research Unit and Department of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. lbjerrum@health.sdu.dk
Gonzalez Lopez-Valcarcel
Beatriz
B
Petersen
Gert
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019992:Databases as Topic; D003718:Denmark; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019338:Polypharmacy; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012307:Risk Factors