The Frequency of Drug Interactions in Patients in the Intensive Care Units of Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Student of Medicine, Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 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.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 35, Issue 440 - Serial Number 440
May and June 2017
Pages 905-910

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 May 2017
  • Revise Date: 26 May 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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