Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (Jan 2018)
Potentially Inappropriate Medication use in the Elderly in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Abstract
Introduction - Elderly patients have multiple comorbidities requiring treatment. Drug prescription plays an important role in the care of the elderly. Inappropriate prescribing is considered a major public health issue, given its direct association with substantial morbidity, mortality and health service costs that result from adverse drug reaction. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of inappropriate medication use in hospitalised elderly, as defined by Beers Criteria 2012. The risk factors associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medications were also evaluated. Materials and Methods - This study was done from April 2013 to August 2014 in the department of Geriatrics of a tertiary care centre in South India. Demographic parameters, comorbidities, pharmacokinetic parameters, cognitive and functional status and details of drugs (over 2 weeks) were collated. Results - Total of 280 hospitalised patients were included. The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use in our study was 33.2% as per Beers criteria version 2012. Use of drug with anticholinergic activity was found in 13.4% and among sedatives major contributior were benzodiazepines in 6.5% subjects. Age, depression and polypharmacy were found to be independent risk factors for potentially inappropriate medication use. Conclusion - Present study showed high prevalence of inappropriate drug use in the elderly. Effective intervention to optimise drug prescribing in elderly is therefore needed to prevent adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, cognitive impairment, falls and mortality.
