Management of drug interactions in children in the community pharmacy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Drug interactions are of great interest because the likelihood of concomitant administration of several drug substances is significantly increased. While some combinations are beneficial or, in the worst case, harmless, there are extremely dangerous drug interactions. Their effects can go as far as altering vital processes in the body and even death. Sometimes the severe reactions resulting from these interactions occur unexpectedly, other times, although they are known, they are underestimated. Drug interactions have become a serious problem in groups of children, due to the vulnerability of the biological and psychological status of children. PURPOSE. The purpose of the study was to study and evaluate the role of the pharmacist in the management of drug interactions in children in the community pharmacy. MATERIAL AND METHODS. A selective cross-sectional research was conducted, the sociological survey using the semi-structured questionnaire, with a sample volume of 100 participants. The selection of static units was made among pharmacists from community pharmacies in the Republic of Moldova. RESULTS. The role of the pharmacist in the management of the prevention of drug interactions in children in community pharmacies was identified. 67.3% stating that they had experienced interactions, of which 10% are not reported, and 84% - rarely report them. Upon detection in 88% the pharmacist contacts the prescribing physician, and 50% refuse to release the drug. 80% consider it appropriate to implement alert information systems for interactions, especially in children. CONCLUSIONS. As a result of the study, a number of problems were identified regarding drug interactions in children, highlighting the role of the pharmacist in their management.