Investigating how drug interactions affect emergency room visits and hospitalizations in older adults using opioids

Drug interactions and opioid-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations among older adults

['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-10668960

This study is looking at how using opioids along with other medications can affect the health of older adults, aiming to find ways to make their prescriptions safer and reduce the chances of serious health issues.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10668960 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the risks associated with opioid use among older adults, particularly how interactions with other medications can lead to serious health complications. It examines the prevalence of opioid prescriptions in this population and the potential for adverse effects, including emergency room visits and hospitalizations. By analyzing data on medication use and health outcomes, the study aims to identify patterns that could help improve safety and prescribing practices for older adults. The research will involve a comprehensive review of prescription records and health outcomes to assess the impact of polypharmacy on opioid-related risks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are prescribed opioids and may also be taking other medications that could interact with them.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use opioids or are not on multiple medications may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety guidelines for opioid prescribing in older adults, potentially reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that polypharmacy significantly increases the risk of adverse drug events in older adults, indicating that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.