Abstract

STUDY OF POLYPHARMACY AMONG GERIATRIC INPATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr. Suramya Raju*, Dr. Apsara G. Krishnan, Dr. Dona Maria Jose, Meppil Baby and Dr. Beena P.

.

Abstract

Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple medications in patients. Polypharmacy puts individuals at high risk of drug related problems such as Adverse drug reactions, Drug interactions & use of potentially inappropriate medications. This study analyse Polypharmacy among Geriatric inpatients. Inappropriate medication use is common problem in older adults. The aim of the study is to examine the polypharmacy among geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 140 patient case records satisfying the inclusion criteria were analysed over a period of six months to determine the Polypharmacy and Drug related problems among geriatric inpatients also were assessed during the study period. Case records were prospectively reviewed for demographic details, laboratory data, management and outcomes. During the study period 140 prescriptions were screened. Polypharmacy is a phenomenon less considered, and an emerging public health concern in elderly peoples. In this study drugs prescribed in each prescription was evaluated and it was found that, 52% of the prescriptions had 11-15 drugs and 36% of the prescription contain more than 15 drugs and 32% prescriptions contain 5-10 drug. Statistical correlation between polypharmacy and drug related problems such as Drug interaction, Adverse drug reaction and potentially inappropriate medications were analyzed. There is a significant association was found between polypharmacy and drug interactions. Polypharmacy is a phenomenon less considered, and an emerging public health concern in elderly people and it becoming very common now a days. Polypharmacy puts individuals at high risk for drug-related problems such as adverse effects and drug interactions.

Keywords: Polypharmacy, ADR, DDI.