Drug Utilization in Geriatric Population im a Tertiary.

ABSTRACT

One hundred and fi fty-two prescriptions of patients aged more than 65 years were picked up from in-patients of ollr hospital and analysed for drug utilization pattern. The mean age of the patients was 69.9 ±5.7 years. The mean number of drugs per prescription were 6.33 ± 2.35. Tablets were used in 48.5%, injections in 39.6%, capsules and syrups in 5.5% each and inhalers in 1.1% of patients. Antibiotics were prescribed for 140 patients, diuretics for 34, ACE inhibitors for 33, Calcium channel blockers for 59, H2 blockers for 84, narcotic analgesics and NSAlDs for 36 and 33 patients respectively. Beta blocker usage was minimal. Digoxin, aspirin and thrombolytics were used in 10, 50 and 5 patients respectively. Compliance was 100% and side effects Iike haemoptysis, gastritis, palpitation and vomiting were seen in I patient each.