Evaluation of Intravenous Drug Incompatibilities in the Intensive Care Units of Mitiga Military Hospital and Tripoli University Hospital, Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate intravenous (IV) drug incompatibilities in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of Mitiga Military Hospital (MMH) and Tripoli University Hospital (TUH). It sought to gather data on the compatibility of the most commonly used drugs when infused through the same line. Additionally, it attempted to generate a compatibility drug chart with reliable and updated information to improve safety in the administration of drugs to critically-ill patients. This was a retrospective clinical study. Data were obtained from 200 prescriptions in the MICUs of MMH and TUH. The study focused on IV drugs routinely administered in the ICUs at the same time. Consideration was given to the variables of age, gender, total number of medications, total number of IV medications, as well as types of IV medications. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 26. Demographic findings showed that major age groups were (46-55), (56-65), (66-75) years, mean age was 61.61 years and 1.12:1 were male female ratio. Findings also revealed that, 6 IV drug pairs were categorized as drug incompatibilities out of 10. 11.5% of patients were given incompatible drug pairs, followed by 21% of patients who were given compatible pairs while 25.5% were given drug pairs with no confirmed data. The most frequent incompatible drug was Pantoprazole and the most frequent incompatible pair was Pantoprazole and Furosemide. In conclusion, the incidence of drug incompatibilities in ICUs was predominant. Pantoprazole, Furosemide and Meropenem were identified as the most frequent drugs involved in IV drug incompatibilities.