Potential Drug-drug Interactions in Intensive Care Units in Turkey: A Point Prevalence Study

Objective: Drug-drug interaction (DDI) is related with complications and diminished efficacy of medications throughout the treatment process. Intensive care units (ICU) involve patients who are at elevated risk of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDI).Materials and Methods: Here, we identified potential DDIs in similar patient groups in ICUs in Turkey. Invitations were sent to 20 hospitals in Turkey for a multicenter point prevalence study. Patient orders were determined for potential DDI using the Lexi Interact Online Interaction Checker software. Of 236 patients whose data were collected, patients <18 years of age, those <5 drugs in their drug order, and those with incomplete data were excluded. The remaining 194 patients were included in the study. Results: A total 684 pDDIs were detected, of which 92 (13.4%) were major, 531 (77.6%) were moderate, and 61 (9%) were minor interactions. There was at least one drug interaction in 159 (81.9%) patients. A notable disparity was observed in the quantity of drugs in the 159 patients with drug interactions and those in the 36 patients without drug interactions (p<0.001). A substantial correlation was detected between the quantity of medications and the incidence of interactions among patients experiencing drug interactions (p<0.001, r=0.707). Conclusion: No significant correlation was found between the length of stay in ICU and the number of drugs or the number of drug interactions (p=0.216, r=0.092; p=0.284, r=-0.080, respectively). The increased risk of pDDI due to the use of multiple drugs was observed in ICU patients.