Evaluation of NSAID-Drug Interactions in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the frequency, severity, and clinical significance of potential NSAID-related DDIs in elderly patients. Data from 131 elderly inpatients (60 years and older) taking NSAIDs were reviewed in a retrospective study at a medical center. Comorbidities, medication history, demographic data, and possible DDIs were all collected. Using online drug interaction checkers, drug interactions were categorized as minor, moderate, or severe based on their clinical significance. SPSS version 22 was used for the statistical analysis, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was used. On average, each patient had 1-4 encounters, and all 131 patients were exposed to ≥1 possible DDIs. The most common type of interaction was moderate (43.8%), followed by major (37.9%) and minor (18.4%). The most common major interaction was between aspirin and clopidogrel or anticoagulants, which increased the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. The majority of patients (97.9%) were taking multiple medications, which was linked to a higher risk of DDIs (p < 0.01). DDIs were also more common in patients with more than one health problem (p < 0.01). This study concludes that older patients taking NSAIDs are very likely to have DDIs, especially those with other health problems and who take a lot of different medications. To reduce the chance of negative outcomes, doctors should watch out for DDIs and change treatment, if necessary, especially for high-risk patients