Incidence of Polypharmacy and Drug related problems among Geriatric patients in a Multispecialty hospital

http://dx.doi.org/10.21276/IJRDPL.22780238.2018.7(4).3055-3059 ABSTRACT:The study objectives were to assess the incidence of polypharmacy and drug-related problems among geriatric patients. This prospective, observational study was conducted in 150 geriatric patients at Vivekanandha medical care hospital. The severities of adverse drug reactions were assessed using Naranjo scale and inappropriate medications were examined using BEER’s criteria. The highest frequency of geriatric patients with polypharmacy was from the age group of 65-70 years (65%). Most of the patients (43%) were taking 5-10 drugs. Out of 150 patients, 124(83%) patients had comorbidities and 26(17%) patients were found without comorbidity. The percentage of patients suffering from DM and HTN were found to be the highest. Antihypertensive was mostly prescribed. The major incidence of drug-drug interaction was found in the moderate category (59.50%). DRP's were assessed. The incidence of 119 drug duplications was found in 62 cases. Inappropriate prescription of drugs was found in 61 cases (101 medications). A total of 34 ADRs were found in 34 cases. From 83 case sheets, 91 medication errors were identified. The incidence of drug related problems was highest in the general medicine department. The incidence of polypharmacy and drug-related problems were high in geriatric population of general medicine department. Benzodiazepine class of drugs was the commonly prescribed inappropriate medication as per the BEER's criteria. The incidence of probable ADR was highly observed in this study.