Table 2 The most frequent drug combinations involved in the potential DDIs identified
Potentially interacting pair | Frequency | Example | Risk Category | Potential adverse effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anti-diabetics + Hypoglycemia associated agents | 21 | Metformin + Quinine | C | Hypoglycemia | Moderate |
NSAIDS + Quinolones | 16 | Ibuprofen + Levofloxacin | C | Seizures | Major |
Anti-diabetics + Hyperglycemia associated agents | 15 | Metformin + Furosemide | C | Poor glucose control / Reduced efficacy of anti-diabetic agents | Moderate |
NSAIDS + Systemic corticosteroids | 14 | Diclofenac + Dexamethasone | C | Gastrointestinal bleeding | Moderate |
Oral Tetracyclines/ Quinolones + Oral Group II Metallic salts | 7 | Doxycycline + Ferrous sulphate | D | Treatment failure due to diminished effect of the antibiotic | Moderate to Major |
Sulfonylureas + Thiazolidinediones | 6 | Glimepiride + Pioglitazone | D | Hypoglycemia | Moderate |
Opioid agonists + CNS Depressants | 5 | Tramadol + Gabapentin | D | Slowed or difficult breathing, Respiratory depression | Major |
NSAIDS + Rivaroxaban | 4 | Aceclofenac + Rivaroxaban | D | Excessive bleeding | Major |
NSAIDS + Beta blockers | 3 | Meloxicam + Nebivolol | C | Elevated blood pressure | Moderate |