[Drug interactions in an intensive care unit].
BACKGROUND
A new computerised interaction database in Norwegian is available at www.druid.uio.no and in some computer physician order entry systems. The scope of this paper was to assess drug use and examine the potential usefulness of DRUID in an intensive care unit.


METHODS
Drugs given patients during their first 24 hours in our mixed surgical intensive care unit over one year were entered into DRUID.


RESULTS
191 patients received 1413 drugs (median 7). According to DRUID, 110 patients (58%) had 274 potential drug interactions (median 2) of 72 classes. No interaction was of grade A (should not be combined) or C (absorption of oral drugs), 153 were of grade B (take precautions), and 121 were of grade D (academic interest). Of grade B interactions, 51% were in two and 49% in 39 classes of drug interactions. Of grade D interactions, 60% in 4 and 40% in 27 classes.


CONCLUSIONS
Surprisingly few serious drug interactions were found. However, in every fourth patient precautions should be taken (e.g. dose adjustments). Electronic prescribing systems might give fewer adverse effects.
Nielsen
Erik Waage
EW
Anestesi- og intensivavdelingen, Nordlandssykehuset, 8092 Bodø. erikwn@fagmed.uit.no
Dybwik
Knut
K
D016208:Databases, Factual; D004346:Drug Information Services; D004347:Drug Interactions; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital; D009664:Norway; D012307:Risk Factors