Altered pharmacology in the Intensive Care Unit patient

Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Oct;22(5):493-501. doi: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2008.00623.x. Epub 2008 Jul 24.

Abstract

Critically ill patients, not infrequently present alterations of physiological parameters that determine the success/failure of therapeutic interventions as well as the final outcome. Sepsis and polytrauma are two of the most common and complex syndromes occurring in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and affect drug absorption, disposition, metabolism and elimination. Pharmacological management of ICU patients requires consideration of the unique pharmacokinetics associated with these clinical conditions and the likely occurrence of drug interaction. Rational adjustment in drug choice and dosing contributes to the appropriateness of treatment of those patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Illness / mortality
  • Critical Illness / therapy*
  • Hospital Mortality / trends
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units* / trends
  • Multiple Trauma / drug therapy
  • Multiple Trauma / metabolism
  • Multiple Trauma / mortality
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / metabolism*
  • Sepsis / drug therapy
  • Sepsis / metabolism
  • Sepsis / mortality
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations