Role of Clinical Pharmacist in Improving Medication Adherence and Monitoring Medicinal Plant–Drug Interactions in Heart Failure Patients

Muhammad Shafiq  Khan; Muhammad Zakryya  Khan; Farhana  Amin; Sania  Begum; Naqeeb Ullah  Jogezai; Zafar  Iqbal; Hafiz Muhammad  Abdullah; Awais Ahmed  Uttra

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i11.2093

Authors

Muhammad Shafiq Khan Department of Biotechnology, Mohi UD Din Islamic University (MIUNS), Islamabad, Pakistan
Muhammad Zakryya Khan Department of Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Farhana Amin National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology NIGAB, NARC, Islamabad, Pakistan
Sania Begum National Institute for Genomics and Advanced Biotechnology NIGAB, NARC, Islamabad, Pakistan
Naqeeb Ullah Jogezai Department of Quality Enhancement Cell, University of Loralai, Pakistan
Zafar Iqbal Department of Pharmacy, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
Hafiz Muhammad Abdullah Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Biological and Applied Sciences Lahore, Pakistan
Awais Ahmed Uttra Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, 90110, Hat Yai, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i11.2093

Keywords:

Heart Failure, Medication Adherence, Clinical Pharmacist, Medicinal Plants, Herb–Drug Interactions

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Medication non-adherence and the concurrent use of medicinal plants increase the risk of adverse events and reduce therapeutic efficacy. Clinical pharmacists may play a critical role in optimizing adherence and monitoring herb–drug interactions. Objective: To evaluate the role of clinical pharmacists in improving medication adherence and tracking medicinal plant–drug interactions in HF patients. Methods: A prospective, controlled, interventional study was conducted from January 2023 to June 2024, including 230 adult patients with HF. Participants were randomized into intervention (pharmacist-led counseling and monitoring) and control (usual care) groups. Medication adherence was assessed using MMAS-8, and herb–drug interactions were monitored using standard databases over six months. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvement in adherence (MMAS-8: 6.32±1.12 to 7.85±0.70) compared to controls (6.28±1.15 to 6.50±1.05; p<0.001). Adverse events from interactions were lower (3.48% vs. 10.43%; p=0.03), and interaction resolution was higher in the intervention group (34.78% vs. 13.04%; p<0.001). Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist interventions significantly enhance medication adherence and reduce herb–drug–related risks in HF patients.

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