Abstract
Purpose Although, drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between
potassium-increasing drugs (PIDs) are known risk factors for
developing hyperkalaemia, not much is known about their risk
and management strategies during hospitalisation. This study
examines the frequency of serum potassium measurements
and hyperkalaemia in hospitalised patients, based on the use
of one or more PIDs, and the determinants thereof.
Methods Adult patients hospitalised in the University
Medical Centre Utrecht between 2006 and 2008 were
included in this cross-sectional study. The frequency of serum
potassium measurements and of hyperkalaemia were
compared between patients using only one PID at a time
(monotherapy group) and patients using two or more PIDs
concomitantly (interaction group). The determinants studied
were renal failure, diabetes mellitus, use of diuretics, type of
DDI, start of the PIDs within the hospital versus continued
home medication and medical speciality