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[Drug utilization in 3 nursing homes for somatic patients]
Tijdschrift Voor Gerontologie En Geriatrie
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Nursing home patients frequently use multiple medications, with nearly 80% taking 2-7 drugs. Polypharmacy increases the risk of potentially harmful drug interactions, especially among elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Pharmacy
Context:
- Nursing home residents often have complex health conditions requiring multiple medications.
- Polypharmacy is a common challenge in geriatric care, increasing the risk of adverse drug events.
- This study examines drug utilization patterns in 198 patients across three nursing homes.
Purpose:
- To investigate the extent of drug use among nursing home patients.
- To identify the most frequently prescribed drug classes.
- To assess the prevalence of potentially harmful drug combinations.
Summary:
- Nearly 80% of patients used 2-7 drugs, with an average of 4.36 regular medications and 5.25 including PRN and external use drugs.
- Psychotropics, analgesics, cardiac drugs, diuretics, and laxatives were most common.
- Frequent potentially interacting combinations included anticholinergic drugs, digoxin with potassium-losing diuretics, and hypotensive agents.
Impact:
- Highlights the high prevalence of polypharmacy in nursing home settings.
- Identifies specific drug combinations that warrant closer monitoring to prevent adverse events.
- Provides data to inform medication management strategies and improve patient safety in geriatric care.