Risk factors for potential drug-drug interactions in patients with pneumonia.

Objective The goal of our study was to discover and analyze possible risk factors for and possible protective factors against the occurrence of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) in a hospitalized patient with community-acquired pneumonia. Materials and methods The central outcome was the incidence of pDDIs in patients with community-acquired pneumonia checked by Lexicomp and Micromedex interaction checkers. Results The most severe pDDIs (Consider therapy modification D/Avoid combination X/Major/Contraindicated) were found in 19 (20%) and 54 (58%) patients, according to Lexicomp and Micromedex, respectively. Patients with community-acquired pneumonia who were older, smokers, and with more prescribed drugs by more than a few independent prescribers had a higher risk to experience pDDIs. Possible protective factors were longer length of hospitalization, transfer from the Emergency Department, antiarrhythmic drugs as well as an anticoagulant therapy. Conclusion In conclusion, community-acquired pneumonia patients with the above-mentioned factors should have their treatment more deeply monitored for pDDIs.