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[Drug use pattern in an ambulatory geriatric population]
M D García Domínguez1, M I Lucena González, J M Ramírez Torres
1Servicio de Farmacología Clínica y Medicina, Hospital Universitario, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga.
Revista Clinica Espanola
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Elderly individuals over 60 commonly use multiple medications, averaging 4.8 drugs daily. This polypharmacy includes numerous active ingredients, often taken long-term, highlighting a need for careful drug management in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Polypharmacy is prevalent in ambulatory subjects over 60 years of age.
- Understanding drug utilization patterns is crucial for optimizing geriatric pharmacotherapy.
- Assessing both prescribed and nonprescribed medication use provides a comprehensive view.
Purpose:
- To update current drug utilization patterns in an ambulatory elderly population.
- To quantify the average number of medications and active ingredients used by older adults.
- To identify frequently prescribed drugs in this demographic.
Summary:
- A study of 500 ambulatory subjects aged 60+ revealed an average of 4.8 drugs used daily, with a higher mean of 7.3 active ingredients.
- 1.8% of participants reported no medication use; 87% used medications for over three months.
- Commonly prescribed drugs included paracetamol, digoxin, hydrochlorothiazide, amiloride, nifedipine, and captopril.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant burden of polypharmacy in the elderly.
- Informs healthcare providers about common medication regimens in older adults.
- Emphasizes the chronic and long-term nature of medication use in this population.