Background and purpose: Gastrointestinal complications frequently occur in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Of these, ulceration and bleeding due to stress-related mucosal disease (SRMD) can lengthen hospitalization and increase mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of SRMD in patients and review the rational use of SUP drugs in ICU.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, 2013-2014. We investigated 100 patients in ICU. Demographic and clinical data was recorded and the appropriateness of SUP administration was determined according to American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) protocol.

Results: The patients were 51% male and 43% female. Overall 92% of the patients received prophylaxis. 34% of the patients who were administered parenteral drugs tolerated oral medications too. Among the patients, 31% who received prophylaxis did not have any indication for SUP. We found that 64% of the patients received SUP according to ASHP guidelines.

Conclusion: Unnecessary prophylaxis could cause adverse drug reactions, increase the risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia, and increase the burden of treatment. The prophylactic regimen to prevent stress ulcer bleeding should be chosen based on risk factors and underlying diseases of patients in order to provide the best therapy.  Health care professionals should evaluate the risks and assess the need for stress ulcer prophylaxis.