Frequency of Single or Combined Anticholinergic Medication Usage as Potentially Inappropriate Medications among the...

The use of medications with anticholinergic effects can have negative effects on older patients, such as cognitive dysfunction and falls. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of use of anticholinergic medication among the oldest-old age group and to analyze the factors associated with its use.

This is a descriptive study. The data were collected by visiting the oldest-olds at their homes, where the oldest-olds lived alone or with his or her family. The sample size was calculated as 354 using EpiInfo. The generic name of the medication used, the age, sex, and city of residence of the patient were recorded. The medications were analyzed using guidelines showing the anticholinergic effect, classified as 1 (low), 2 (moderate), and ≥3 (strong), and the frequency of usage by the oldest-olds was determined.

A total of 549 oldest-olds participated in the research. Of the oldest-olds, 57.92% (n = 318) were using one or more anticholinergic medications. The median number of anticholinergic medications used by the oldest-olds was 1 (range: 0.00-6.00). Medications with strong anticholinergic effects (≥3) were used by 14.94% (n = 82) of the oldest-olds. The most commonly used were medications with low anticholinergic effects. However, the concomitant use of anticholinergic medications increased the total anticholinergic effect.

The oldest-old age group used medications with anticholinergic effects. A strong anticholinergic effect was obtained when medications with low or moderate anticholinergic effects were combined. Medications with anticholinergic effects should also be reviewed in the safety analysis of medications used by the oldest-old.