[Drug interactions]

Internist (Berl). 2010 Mar;51(3):359-69; quiz 370. doi: 10.1007/s00108-009-2553-1.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Drug-drug interactions can be used to enhance effectiveness but they are also a significant cause of adverse drug reactions. Alterations in liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion may all affect the pharmacokinetics of a drug. Cytochrome P450 enzymes and drug transporters like ABC-transporters determine the clearance of many drugs leading to alterations in therapeutic effect. In contrast pharmacodynamic drug interactions will alter drug effects in the absence of concentration changes of the co-administered drug. Alterations of a drug effect may require changes in dose to maintain the therapeutic effect.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Drug Interactions*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / chemically induced*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / economics*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / prevention & control*
  • Humans