POLYPHARMACY IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS AND COMORBID CONDITIONS

Background: Geriatrics refers to the population of 60 years and older. The geriatric population is considered a significant consumer of prescription medications. Polypharmacy is a global phenomenon, and on the elderly population, the impact of polypharmacy is substantial. Aging is a multidimensional process, and it is a growing concern. Multiple comorbidities are one of the reasons for polypharmacy. Comorbidity is associated with more complex clinical management and the increase of drug use, and health care costs. In older adults, Drug-drug interactions have potentially life-threatening consequences. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for six months in a private corporate hospital in Secunderabad, Hyderabad. The data on patients aged 65 years and above who are hospitalized with comorbid conditions is collected from case sheets. Data includes socio-demographic details, number of medications, name of medications and comorbidities. Results: A total of 300 patients were included in the study. Polypharmacy was seen in 217 (72%) prescriptions and non-polypharmacy was seen in 83(27%) prescriptions. A total of 168 comorbid conditions were found among the total population. The most common comorbidities were Hypertension, Diabetes and Hypothyroidism. Out of 300 patients, 197 have Drug-drug interactions. Conclusion: The prevalence of polypharmacy is very high among the geriatric population in the study site. We have found many Drug-drug Interactions in the study. A close and intensive monitoring of geriatrics in regard with polypharmacy could restrain the consequences.