Evaluation of prescription pattern of analgesic use among ambulatory elderly in South-Western Nigeria
Ann. afr. med
; 19(2): 131-136, 2020. tab
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1258921
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Inappropriate prescribing of analgesics has a global impact on the health of elderly patients and the society. Empirical evidence on the prescription of analgesics among elderly Nigerians is scarce. Objectives:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the prescription pattern of analgesics and describe the co-prescribing of gastroprotective agents with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) among elderly patients at the geriatric center, University College Hospital, Ibadan.Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional, hospital-based study was carried out among elderly patients (â¥60 years) who were prescribed analgesics. Using a data extraction sheet, information on demographic characteristics, drug utilization pattern, and morbidities was obtained from patients' case files via electronic health records.Results:
A total of 337 patients case files were reviewed, the mean age was 72 ± 8.8 years, and 210 (62.3%) were females. There were a total of 2074 medications prescribed, with 733 (35.3%) being analgesics. Majority of the elderly patients (259, 76.9%) were on nonopioids, with 252 (74.8%) on NSAIDs. Paracetamol was the most commonly prescribed analgesics (181, 24.6%), followed by diclofenac/misoprostol (177, 24.1%), opioid analgesic prescribed was 88 (12.0%), with paracetamol/codeine 58 (65.9%), and tramadol 16 (18.2%) being the most prescribed opioid. A significant proportion of the hypertensive elderly patients (160, 78.8%; P < 0.036) were on NSAIDs. The oral route of administration (302, 89.6%) was the most common route of administration. Majority (310, 92%) of elderly patients taking NSAIDs had a co-prescription for gastroprotective agents.Conclusions:
Majority of hypertensive patients were on NSAIDs. This calls for prompt awareness of rational analgesic use among the elderly to improve management and their survival
Full text:
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Drug Prescriptions
/
Aged
/
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
/
Proton Pump Inhibitors
/
Analgesics
/
Nigeria
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Ann. afr. med
Year:
2020
Type:
Article
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