Interacción farmacocinética entre benzodiacepinas y antihipertensivos

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmacokinetic interactions among drugs can impair therapeutic efficacy by interfering with membrane transporter proteins, compromising the proper action of drugs within the body. In older adults, combining benzodiazepines, psychotropics, and antihypertensives is common due to concurrent diagnoses or lack of knowledge. However, this coadministration can lead to severe side effects such as dizziness, vomiting, and respiratory depression. Although not a common medical practice, many older adults use anxiolytics, antihypertensives, and behavioral regulators. Objective: The main objective of this study was to characterize the information available on pharmacokinetic interactions between benzodiazepines and antihypertensives within the scientific literature. Methodology: An exhaustive literature review was conducted using databases such as Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, and ProQuest. One hundred and fifteen articles published in Spanish and English between 2017 and 2023 were included. The search focused on pharmacokinetic concepts concerning the interaction between benzodiazepines and antihypertensives.

Results: The review revealed that combining benzodiazepines and antihypertensives can elicit adverse reactions and affect pharmacokinetic processes in humans, particularly among older adults, who are highly prone to polymedication.

Conclusion: The pharmacokinetic interaction between benzodiazepines and antihypertensives can cause enzymatic blockage and metabolic imbalance in the body. Although unusual for cardiovascular disease, coadministration is frequent in older adults. This research highlights the significance of careful medical prescription and monitoring of drug interactions, especially within this population, to prevent adverse effects and enhance therapy.