The frequency of drug interactions in patients in the intensive care units of Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: The morbidity and mortality rates are increased in patients with drug interactions. Patients in the intensive care units are at risk for developing drug interactions for various reasons including impaired absorption, reduced metabolism, and renal failure, which are common in these patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of drug interactions in patients admitted to intensive care units. Methods: In this retrospective study, the prescriptions of 195 patients admitted to intensive care units of Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran, were investigated. Drug interactions were determined using Lexi-Comp application and the textbook of Drug Interaction Facts. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Findings: The frequency and mean drug reactions were 88.2 and 10.49 ± 9.88, respectively. There were significant correlations between number of drug interactions and age, duration of hospitalization, and the number of prescribed medications and physicians (P < 0.01 for all). The mean mild, moderate, and sever drug interactions were 1.63 ± 2.16, 8.05 ± 7.80, and 0.81 ± 1.019, respectively. Conclusion: Significant drug reactions as potential risks of health were prevalent in patients in intensive care units. Detection of drug interactions, replacing of interacting drug with other drugs as much as possible, awareness of highly interacting drugs, and diminishing number of prescribed drugs can reduce the number of potential drug reactions and minimize their adverse events. © 2017, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.