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In a bind: a quality improvement project for reducing fluoroquinolones drug-drug interactions with multivalent
Emily A Siegrist1, Steven J Pan2, Maria Alkozah3
1Department of Pharmacy, OU Health, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Introduction:
Fluoroquinolone (FQ) co-administration with multivalent cations can decrease the bioavailability of the FQ significantly. This interaction is an independent risk factor for FQ resistance, which is a concern as more clinical trials and guidelines support routine use of oral antimicrobials.
Methods:
We examined the incidence of FQ drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in a quality improvement study after implementation of a bundle of interventions including nursing education, updated medication administration record (MAR) comments and new administration times.
Results:
In the subgroup of patients (n = 101) who had a multivalent cation administered on the same day as a FQ, co-administration within 2 hours of the FQ was higher in the pre-intervention group as compared to the post-intervention group (62% versus 22%, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The bundle of interventions decreased but did not eliminate the interaction. With the interaction as an independent risk factor for resistance and increasing use of oral antibiotics, stewardship programmes should consider implementing similar interventions.
Insights
Implementing interventions reduced fluoroquinolone (FQ) and multivalent cation co-administration, a key factor in FQ resistance. Further stewardship is needed to minimize this drug-drug interaction.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Interactions
Background:
- Fluoroquinolone (FQ) bioavailability is significantly reduced by co-administration with multivalent cations.
- This interaction is an independent risk factor for FQ resistance, a growing concern with increased oral antimicrobial use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the incidence of FQ drug-drug interactions (DDIs) after implementing a bundle of interventions.
- To assess the effectiveness of interventions in reducing FQ and multivalent cation co-administration.
Main Methods:
- A quality improvement study was conducted.
- Interventions included nursing education, updated medication administration record (MAR) comments, and new administration times.
- Patient subgroup analysis focused on co-administration timing.
Main Results:
- Co-administration of FQ with multivalent cations within 2 hours decreased significantly post-intervention (22% vs. 62%, P < 0.001).
- The intervention bundle reduced but did not eliminate the FQ-cation interaction.
Conclusions:
- Interventions can decrease FQ-multivalent cation co-administration, a risk factor for FQ resistance.
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs should consider similar interventions, given the increasing use of oral antibiotics.
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