London 7th Sep : A group of researchers has created an instrument that makes use of natural processing of language and artificial intelligence (AI) method as well as chemical structure analysis, to determine the negative effects of drugs according to the research.The new tool was created to determine which medications tend to have adverse effects from anticholinergic drugs, that affect the brain through blocking a major neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine.
“Use of medicines with anticholinergic effects can cause significant adverse effects , such as confusion and falls, which are preventable, and we urgently need to cut down on negative side effects that can result in hospitalisation or even death” Professor Chris Fox from University of Exeter in the UK.
“This new technology offers an opportunity to develop an improved personalised medical method, of ensuring the right patient receives the most effective and safe treatment while avoiding any unwanted anticholinergic side effects”, he added.
Anti-cholinergic-related side effects can come from prescription medications like antidepressants, bladder medication, stomach medications and Parkinson’s disease in older people.
The adverse effects include blurred vision, confusion dizziness, falls, and the decline in the brain’s function.
It could also increase the chance of Alzheimer’s disease when taken for a long time.
The tool evaluates the impact of anticholinergic medications by assigning a score based upon the reported adverse events , and aligning with the chemical structure of the drug that is being considered for prescription and resulting in the most precise and current scoring method than any other method, as per the study released in the journal Age and Ageing.
Additionally, the team conducted a survey of 110 health professionals including pharmacists and nurses who prescribe drugs.
Of the respondents 85 percent of respondents said they would employ an instrument to evaluate the risk of anticholinergic-related side effects in the event that it was there was one available.
The team also collected feedback on usability in order to improve the tool even more.
“Our tool is the first to utilize cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology in the measurement of the burden of anticholinergics, and ultimately when further research is completed, the tool will aid pharmacists as well as prescribing health experts in finding the most effective solution for their patients” said Dr.Saber Sami from the University of East Anglia.
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