Analysis and categorization of pharmacotherapeutic queries received at a Valencia Drug Information Center

Introduction: Drug Information Services (DIS) act as a source of technical and scientific information of drugs and medical devices, promoting their rational use.

Objectives: To analyze and classify, according to standardized criteria, the pharmacotherapeutic queries, therapeutic groups, and drugs most frequently consulted at the DIS of the Muy Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Farmacéuticos de Valencia (MICOF).

Methodology: An ambispective and cross-sectional observational study was conducted from June 1, 2021, to June 1, 2022. A total of 445 inquiries made by pharmacists from the province of Valencia were registered and analyzed, collecting the following data: drug, ATC-4 therapeutic group, and pharmacotherapeutic category of the query.

Results: The most frequently consulted categories were commercialization and safety, with Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs, A02BC) and Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs, B01AA) being the most consulted pharmacological groups, accounting for 2.7% and 2.3% of the total inquiries respectively. Regarding classification, 90,0% of the inquiries about acenocoumarol were about drug interactions, while 33.3% of the inquiries about PPIs were related to commercialization.

Conclusions: The analysis of the inquiries received has made possible to identify the therapeutic groups, drugs and pharmacotherapeutic categories that generate the highest number of inquiries. This information is valuable for improving the efficiency of responses at the DIS, providing uniformity, and reducing errors. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive database that facilitates the standardized integration of information.

Keywords : 

Drug Information Service, Classification, Proton Pump Inhibitors, Drug Interactions.