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. 2025 May;17(Suppl 1):S311-S313.
doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1870_24. Epub 2025 Mar 6.

Evaluation of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions with Antimicrobials among Critically Ill Patients in Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

T Abhishek  1 , N Mukunda  2 , K Rooparani  3
Affiliations

Evaluation of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions with Antimicrobials among Critically Ill Patients in Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

T Abhishek et al. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2025 May.

Abstract

Background: Critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are often prescribed multiple drugs, including antimicrobials, increasing the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). This study evaluated the frequency, mechanisms, and severity of potential DDIs with antimicrobials in such patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 292 critically ill patients in the ICU of M S Ramaiah Hospitals from December 2018 to June 2020. Patient data, including demographics and prescribed drugs, were collected. DDIs were analyzed using Micromedex Drug Interaction Checker and classified by mechanism and severity.

Results: Of the 292 patients, 35.3% experienced DDIs involving antimicrobials. A total of 220 DDIs were identified, primarily pharmacodynamic (82.73%) and major in severity (68.63%). The occurrence of DDIs correlated significantly with the number of drugs prescribed (r = 0.26, P = 0.005).

Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for careful drug monitoring and dose adjustments to minimize antimicrobial-related DDIs in critically ill patients.

Keywords: Antimicrobials; critically ill; drug–drug interactions; intensive care unit; micromedex; pharmacodynamics.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

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