POLYPHARMACY AND DRUG INTERACTIONS: PROFILE OF PEDIATRIC PRESCRIPTIONS OF A TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Adverse events for drugs (AED) is a public health problem worldwide, many are due to undesirable drug interactions and preventable nature. This descriptive study aimed to characterize the profile pharmacotherapy and to identify drug interactions (DIs). It was analyzed 110 prescriptions of the patients with age of one to 12 years, in a teaching hospital of Brasilia, Federal District, from October 2005 to February 2006. It found the record of 292 medicines, mainly from the class of the nervous system (37.7%), prevailing prescriptions with up to five drugs (67.3%). It found prescription drugs unapproved and unauthorized for pediatric use. We identified six potential DIs and degree of moderate severity (66.7%). The time of drug administration follows a pattern at 6 am, 12 am, 18 pm and 22 pm, disregarding possible DIs. Knowing the profile pharmacotherapy involving the pediatric patient is extremely important for the prevention of avoidable AAM, such as unwanted DIs.

Keywords

• Pediatric nursing
• Drug Interactions
• Patient Safety.