Evaluation of the Incidence of Ibuprofen Administration in Alcohol and Opioid Detoxification Patients With Concomitant Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of ibuprofen administration in patients who are undergoing alcohol and opioid detoxification, and have concomitant alcohol-related thrombocytopenia. Methods: This was a single-center, cross-sectional, prospective, observational study. A daily manual review of electronic health records was conducted for patients admitted to the detoxification unit of the hospital. Patients who (1) were of age 18 years or more, (2) were ordered both alcohol and opioid detoxification protocols, and (3) had a platelet count of less than 150 000/µL were included in the study. The incidence of ibuprofen administration was evaluated. Results: Twenty-five patients were included in the analysis. More than 70% of patients had an active ibuprofen order and 50% of patients received ibuprofen. Patients with a platelet count of <100 000/µL were more likely to receive ibuprofen in the presence of an active ibuprofen order and received a higher dose of ibuprofen than patients who had a platelet count of ≥100 000/µL. Conclusion: This study highlights a potential medication safety concern in patients with alcohol-related thrombocytopenia who are unintentionally ordered ibuprofen. Future, long-term studies are warranted to further investigate this issue.