Harmful Drug-Drug Interactions

Abstract

Over the past two decades, it has become clear that the combined use of two or more drugs can result in altered drug response and adverse drug effects. Although the overall impact of such drug interactions on the public health is not known, it is clear from epidemiologic studies and case reports that these effects must be considered by the clinician in order to achieve optimal results from therapy. However, it is important to remember that when a patient receives an interacting drug combination, there are three possible outcomes: a favorable effect, no effect, or an adverse effect. This chapter will focus on the last of these outcomes.