Introduction: Drug-nutrient interactions refer to alterations in the pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics of a drug due to interactions with physical, chemical, physiological, or pathophysiological factors related to nutrients. Objective: To investigate potential drug-nutrient interactions in patients receiving enteral nutrition admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: This observational, descriptive, retrospective study employed non-probabilistic sampling of elderly patients at a university hospital in Brazil's Central Region. Potential drug-nutrient interactions were identified using the Up To Date® database, with interactions classified by risk level. Results: The study included data from 50 elderly patients, predominantly male (58%), with an average age of 70.6 ± 8.63 years. A total of 75 medications administered via the digestive tract were analyzed, of which 26 (34.66%) were found to have potential interactions according to Up To Date®, resulting in 47 types of pharmacokinetic interactions. Most interactions involved either the food/nutrient reducing the therapeutic effect of the drug or the drug lowering the serum level of the nutrient, accounting for 24 (51.06%) of the interactions. The average number of interactions was higher in deceased patients (1.5 ± 1.64) compared to those who were discharged (1.19 ± 1.44). Statistical analysis using the t-test (95% bilateral confidence interval) showed no significant difference between the groups (p-value > 0.99). Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of monitoring drug-nutrient interactions in ICU patients, as these interactions can potentially have adverse effects on patient outcomes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Leite et al. (2024) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: