Evaluation of the potential drug-drug interactions at orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinics of a tertiary care hospital

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to determine the frequency and severity of possible drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in the prescriptions of patients who admitted to the orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective study analyzed the prescription data of patients that admitted to orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinics of a tertiary care hospital from January 1, 2020 to February 15, 2020. The severity of DDIs was interpreted using the T Pxi-comp (R) drug interaction database. Relationship between the presence of DDIs and the number of prescribed drugs were evaluated. Results: Out of 753 patient data evaluated, a total of 2248 drugs were prescribed. Among 669 polypharmacy patients, 293 (43.8%) patients had one or more potential DDIs. A total of 437 DDIs were detected of which 300 (68.6%) were D, 82 (18.8%) were X, 49 (11.2%) were C and 6 (1.4%) were B risk category interactions. The most common DDIs were between systemic Diclofenac and topical Diclofenac, (14.4%) The presence of potential DDIs was significantly associated with adult age and female gender. Conclusion: Although, the severity of the potential DDIs in orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinics were generally moderate and manageable, it is crutial for physicians to be aware of the interactions between the most frequently prescribed drugs in orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinics, monitor patients for the safe use of drugs.