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[Use and potential risks of over-the-counter analgesics]
A Freytag1, R Quinzler, M Freitag
1Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Bachstr. 18, 07743, Jena, Deutschland.
Elderly patients with multiple health conditions frequently use analgesics. While over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are common, risks like duplicate prescriptions and adverse interactions remain low.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Context:
- Elderly individuals often manage multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidities).
- Pain management in this demographic requires careful consideration of medication risks.
- The use of both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics is prevalent.
Purpose:
- To investigate the utilization patterns of prescription and OTC analgesics in elderly patients with multiple morbidities.
- To assess the associated risks, including duplicate prescriptions, incorrect dosages, and drug interactions.
Summary:
- A cohort of 3,189 elderly patients (aged 65-85) with multiple morbidities was analyzed.
- 36.7% reported analgesic use; 24.7% of these used OTC analgesics.
- Risks such as duplicate prescriptions and clinically relevant interactions were evaluated, with low proportions observed.
Impact:
- Findings indicate that while analgesic use is common in multimorbid elderly patients, the risks associated with OTC analgesics appear manageable.
- Highlights the need for continued monitoring of medication use in this vulnerable population.
- Informs clinical practice regarding safe pain management strategies for the elderly.
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