Investigation of Polypharmacy and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Prescriptions of Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Objective: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can reduce treatment efficacy or cause toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of polypharmacy and potential DDIs in intensive care units (ICUs). Material and Methods: Prescriptions from tertiary ICUs over a one-month period were retrospectively analyzed for polypharmacy and DDIs. Potential DDIs were identified using the Drugs.com interaction checker. Results: A mean of 8.1 drugs were prescribed per patient. DDI risk was detected in 77% of patients. Polypharmacy was observed in 88.7% of patients, with a significantly higher mean number of drugs in this group (8.9±2.8 vs. 4.1±2.2; p
Fields of Study & Subjects
Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes
Pharmacy and Medical Practices
Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Medical Sciences
- Volume
- 46
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 83–88
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN