Rational drug, though important at all ages, becomes more relevant in elderly. Given the high prevalence of inappropriate prescriptions and related adverse drug events, the present study was undertaken with the aim of finding out the pattern of drugs use and incidence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and related condition in elderly patients by using validated screening tools: STOPP/START criteria We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of 600 patients aged 65 years in a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected using detailed indicators, and prescribing indicator form as per WHO. STOPP along with START criteria was applied to detect inappropriate prescriptions. The result reveals that total of 77 (PIM) and 42 potentially prescribing omissions (PPO) were found. Criteria detect more number of PIM in indoor patients (31%) than outdoor patients (8.6%) Most commonly found PIM were calcium channel blockers with chronic constipation, NSAIDS with hypertension, Beta Blockers with diabetes mellitus and the commonest PPO was statins for diabetic patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Increasing age and polypharmacy are important risk factors associated with inappropriate medications. Therefore STOPP/START criteria may be used not only to enhance prescribing decisions in elderly patients but also as an audit measure of appropriate prescribing. Application of such screening tool to prescribing decision may reduce the use of unnecessary drugs, related adverse drug events, hospital admissions and cost.
Loading....