Potential Drug Interactions in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Abstract

Patients in critical condition are potentially prone to experiencing drug interactions due to receiving polypharmacy accompanied by complex and dynamic clinical conditions. Drug interactions can decrease drug effectiveness, increase therapeutic responses, or even lead to toxic effects. Factors that can enhance the effects of drug interactions include advanced age, obesity, hypoalbuminemia, polymorphism, sepsis, kidney and liver insufficiency. Therefore, monitoring the potential for drug interactions becomes crucial as it can distinguish whether changes in a patient's condition are caused by drug interactions or the disease process itself. This literature review aims to discuss the potential for drug interactions and the monitoring of interaction effects in critically ill patients.