Analysis of inappropriate medication use and drug interactions in older people in South Korea


Medication use in older people has been increasing as the incidence of chronic diseases increases worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) to improve the rational use of medications in this population.

In this large, cross-sectional study, data on older people from a regional community obtained during health examinations in 2013 - 2014 were analyzed. Demographic and medication information were collected. We evaluated PIM use in older people by analyzing medication data. The most common PIMs and pDDIs are presented.

Among 864 older people, 145 (16.8%) had at least 1 PIM. 41 patients (4.7%) were prescribed more than 2 PIMs, with a mean PIM number of 1.34 per patient. The most commonly prescribed PIMs were alprazolam (12.6%), followed by diazepam (9.4%), amitriptyline (7.9%), meloxicam (7.3%), and nabumetone (5.2%). There were a total of 2,469 cases of pDDIs, with 236 cases (9.6%) of risk categories X and D. The most common pDDI was atorvastatin and diltiazem.

Our findings demonstrated that PIM use and pDDIs were common in older people in the community setting, suggesting that optimal medication use and supportive interventions are necessary in this population.