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Research Journal of Pharmacology

ISSN: Online 1993-6019
ISSN: Print 1815-9362
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Potential Drug‐Drug Interactions among Chronic Heart Failure Patients Managed at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Ofonakara Uzochukwu, Ohanme Eugene Ohams, Olayemi Samuel, Ale Kolawole, NwekeChibueze Ogbodo, Maureen Iru Ntaji, Aisha Attahiru, Ngozi Grace Orofuke, Oluwaseun Opeyemi Adesoye, Francis Idenyi Onwe, Genevieve Chimaoge Ebulum, Onochie Peter Elom and Casimir Chijioke Ofor
Page: 1-7 | Received 11 Oct 2025, Published online: 09 Dec 2025

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https://doi.org/makrjp.2025.2.1.7

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Abstract

With increasing life expectancy among chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, particularly the elderly, polypharmacy has become common due to multiple coexisting conditions. This significantly elevates the risk of drug‐drug interactions (DDIs), which pose a major challenge to patient safety and highlight the need for improved healthcare delivery strategies. A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted among 110 CHF patients at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Data were collected using a pre‐tested, interviewer‐administered questionnaire. Information on medications prescribed at admission and discharge was extracted from patient case notes and discharge summaries. Potential DDIs were assessed using Lexi‐Interact™ software, and data were analyzed using SPSS. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed, and p‐values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Of the 110 participants, 49 (44.5%) were male and 61 (55.5%) female, with an age range of 40–90 years and a mean age of 62.14 ± 10.24 years. Marital status distribution showed 66.4% were married, while 27.3% were widowed. Over half (53.6%) were employed, and the majority (69.1%) had completed secondary education. The most frequently prescribed medications were clopidogrel and furosemide (31.8% each), followed by losartan (28.2%), digoxin, and lisinopril (24.5% each). A total of 109 patients (99.1%) were on more than one medication, with a mean of 3.92 ± 1.60 drugs per patient. More than half (52.6%) were either overweight or obese. The overall prevalence of potential DDIs was 70.9% (78 patients). Significant associations were found between potential DDIs and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.026), and heart rate (p < 0.000). This study reveals a high prevalence of potential DDIs among CHF patients. Clinicians are strongly encouraged to utilize clinical decision support tools or DDI‐checking software when prescribing medications. Polypharmacy and comorbidities remain key contributors to adverse drug events, which increase treatment costs, prolong hospital stays, and compromise patient safety. Evidence‐based and innovative strategies are urgently needed to mitigate these risks and enhance medication safety in this vulnerable population.

How to cite this article:

Ofonakara Uzochukwu, Ohanme Eugene Ohams, Olayemi Samuel, Ale Kolawole, NwekeChibueze Ogbodo, Maureen Iru Ntaji, Aisha Attahiru, Ngozi Grace Orofuke, Oluwaseun Opeyemi Adesoye, Francis Idenyi Onwe, Genevieve Chimaoge Ebulum, Onochie Peter Elom and Casimir Chijioke Ofor. Potential Drug‐Drug Interactions among Chronic Heart Failure Patients Managed at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/makrjp.2025.2.1.7
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9362/makrjp.2025.2.1.7