Drug Interaction Management in Critically Ill Patient

Abstract

Drug interaction in critically ill patient is very common and affecting patients Physically, Mentally and Financially. There are various measures which has been taken to minimize this burden on patient, such as books being prepared which include various drug interaction, maintain websites and database that provides information regarding drug interactions. With the use of these website and databases the drug interaction can be managed. It is common practice that side effects of drug interaction are being managed by additional drugs, the main reason behind it could be non-availability of alternative drugs or costlier alternative. These factors remain the main cause of treatment failure in majority of patients leading to prolong. The current study was performed for the duration of 12 months, from this study it was identified that 113 types of major drug interactions commonly found in total 250 prescriptions which were evaluated and managed accordingly. Suggestions being prescribed by various sites were, avoid concomitant use of drug, use alternative therapy, and monitor closely for any adverse effect. During suggestion made by the Clinical Pharmacist, for the same drug interactions it was identified that more of drug therapy adjustment can be done then provided by the online database. The parameter on which the drug interactions management are being suggested were focused on just type of drug interaction and its effect, it does not include the actual pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic changes in therapy. The suggestion made by the clinical pharmacist were includes drug removal, drug dosage changes, alternative therapy, alternative route of administration, change in time interval etc. From this study it was concluded that the drug interaction management can be done at various stages of treatment with proper therapy modification by the clinical pharmacist, and if done properly it will improve the overall outcome of patient health care.