Perfil de utilização de anti-infecciosos e interações medicamentosas potenciais em unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital de ensino de João Pessoa - PB

Objectives: The present study aimed to analyze, by means of medical prescriptions, the profile of anti-infective agents prescribed at an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a public teaching hospital in Joao Pessoa - PB, focusing on their potential drug interactions (DI).  Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study, where 52 ICU prescriptions have been selected and digitized, belonging to users from both sexes over 18 years old, dispensed between October and December 2011, and including two or more drugs with one anti-infective agent at least. The databases DrugDex® Evaluations from Micromedex® and www.drugs.com were accessed for analysis of potential DI.  Results: It was verified that anti-infectives are commonly administered in ICUs as well as the association among them in order to achieve therapeutic success. In addition, potential DI with the anti-infectives prescribed were also identified.  Conclusions: It is evidenced the need for greater attention with regards to the combination of antimicrobials, due to the imminent risk of causing drug interactions that may hinder therapy and lead to serious health damages to users.