Epidemiologic Analysis of Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) Inquiries: A Four-Year Cross-Sectional Study in Hamadan, Iran (2019-2023)

Abstract

Background: Drug and Poison Information Centers (DPIC) play a pivotal role in pharmacovigilance, public education, and preventing adverse drug reactions, medication errors, and poisoning incidents.

Methods: This study presents an epidemiologic analysis of inquiries received by the DPIC at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in Iran over four years (2019-2023). A descriptive cross-sectional analysis of recorded phone calls to the DPIC at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences from October 2019 to November 2023. The demographic distribution of inquirers, types of inquiries, and sources used to answer questions were considered in the analysis.

Results: The study reports a total of 3904 recorded calls over the four-year period, with an average of 78.08 calls per month. The majority of callers were female (61%). The top three questions focused on coronavirus, side effects, and drug-drug reactions. Psychiatric agents, gastrointestinal agents, and antibiotics were the top three drug families inquired about. The data were collected from various references, with UptoDate® being the most frequently used (43.3%).

Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive epidemiologic analysis of inquiries received by the DPIC at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The findings underscore the importance of DPICs in providing evidence-based information, contributing to pharmacovigilance, and enhancing patient safety.