Drug interactions and adverse drug reactions - a brief clinical guide

Julie B Wahlang; DK Brahma; Monaliza Lyngdoh; Arky Jane Langstieh; Banylla S Nongkynrih; Parthajyoti Neog

Volume : VII, Issue : V, May - 2018

Drug interactions and adverse drug reactions - a brief clinical guide

Julie B Wahlang, Dk Brahma, Monaliza Lyngdoh, Arky Jane Langstieh, Banylla S Nongkynrih, Parthajyoti Neog

Abstract :

There is an ever increasing need for awareness regarding the occurrence of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) and the presence of drug to drug interaction (DDI), drug–food interaction and drug–disease interaction. Drug interactions refer to an interaction which can modify the response, nullify the response or produce potentially harmful effects when two or more drugs are administered simultaneously. When two or more drugs are combined it may sometimes cause dual toxicity which may result in greater toxicity than monotherapy.Drug interactions and related adverse effects need to be considered in all clinical settings when two or more drugs are administered for a particular diagnosis. Clinicians need to be aware that early detection and recognition of ADRs occurring due to polypharmacy is important to minimize unwanted health problems.This is of paramount importance to clinicians and other health providers so that an effective treatment outcome can be reached with little or no untoward events. This in turn will be of great benefit to the population at large in reducing healthcare cost required to treat such reactions arising out of drug interactions.