[Drug interactions in intensive care medicine]

Abstract

Drug-drug interactions are a common problem in elderly multi-morbid patients receiving polypharmacy. A high quantity of prescribed drugs is associated with an increase in the risk of adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. More and more medical and pharmaceutical stakeholders are involved in the drug therapy of critically ill patients. In the future it will be important to comprehend the medication as a common task. The patient will get the best therapy available, if the cooperation is successful. In general, drug interactions may be related to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects. Pharmacokinetic drug interactions concern the influence of the cytochrome P450 enzymes and transport proteins in the body. Pharmacodynamic interactions can be found, for example, as an additive effect of drugs which are combined. The relevance of both aspects must accordingly be considered and negative impact should be avoided.