OBJECTIVE： To promote standard management of drugs in ICU area. METHODS： The change of work mode in ICU area of our hospital was analyzed and compared after the application of automated drug dispensing system （ADDS） as well as the change of related indicators 3 months before and after the application of ADDS； the effect of ADDS was evaluated. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS： After the application of ADDS， the management of base drugs changed from open management to intelligent， closed-off and authority management； drug storage and cost management became more scientific， and staff allocation became more optimal. Under the condition of zero difference in the number of medical orders， initial medication time shortened from 170 min to 131 min （P＜0.05）， time of daily drug preparation and drug repercussion shortened from （81.20±3.56） min to （30.04±7.55） min， and （9.18±2.79） min to （6.47±4.66） min （P＜0.05）. The application of ADDS can improve work efficiency， standardize drug management， promote medical safety， and provide reference for initiating a new mode of drug management in wards.