| Literature DB >> 31183601 |
Natacha Wamil1, Sofia Mattsson1, Maria Gustafsson2.
Abstract
Background Several tools to evaluate the appropriateness of prescriptions have been developed over the years. Objective To compare the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) among elderly, using the European Union (EU) (7)-PIM list and the Swedish quality indicators. Secondary objectives were to investigate factors associated with the use of PIMs using the two tools. Setting Medical ward in a hospital in Northern Sweden. Methods Medical records for patients aged ≥ 65 years admitted to the medical ward were reviewed by clinical pharmacists from September to November 2015 and from February to April 2016. PIMs were identified through the abovementioned identification tools. Main outcome measure Prevalence of PIMs. Results Of 93 patients, 18.3% had one PIM according to the Swedish quality indicators. The most common PIM class was non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and diclofenac was one of the most commonly prescribed PIMs. According to the EU (7)-PIM list, 45.2% of the study population was prescribed one or more PIMs. The most common PIM class was hypnotic and sedative drugs, and the most frequently prescribed PIM was apixaban. No significant associations between PIMs and different factors were found using either identification tool. Conclusion The prevalence of PIMs was relatively low in the study sample according to the Swedish guidelines but high according to the EU (7)-PIM list. Different evaluation tools might give inconclusive results, but it is still important to continuously evaluate the need for PIMs in older patients in order to improve drug treatment and to decrease the risk of adverse drug reactions.Entities:
Keywords: Aged; EU (7)-PIM list; Potentially inappropriate medication; Quality indicators; Sweden
Mesh:
Year: 2019 PMID: 31183601 PMCID: PMC6677679 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-019-00847-x
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Int J Clin Pharm
Characteristics of the study population
| Characteristics | Total (n = 93) |
|---|---|
| Age (years), mean ± SD | 79.5 ± 8.2 |
| Women, n (%) | 51 (54.8) |
| Number of regularly prescribed medications at admission, mean ± SD | 8.2 ± 3.6 |
| Diseases | |
| Arrhythmias, n (%) | 26 (28.0) |
| Cancer, n (%) | 21 (22.6) |
| Chronic respiratory disease, n (%) | 15 (16.1) |
| Diabetes mellitus, n (%) | 17 (18.3) |
| Hypertension, n (%) | 46 (49.5) |
| Heart failure, n (%) | 22 (23.7) |
| Stroke/TIA, n (%) | 10 (10.8) |
SD standard deviation, TIA transient ischemic attack
Prescribing frequency for each identified PIM according to the Swedish quality indicators and the EU (7)-PIM list
| ATC code | Drug class/name (ATC code) | Prescriptions, n (col%) Swedish quality indicators | Prescriptions, n (col%) EU (7)-PIM list |
|---|---|---|---|
| A03F | Medications for functional gastrointestinal disorder—propulsives | n/a | 1 (1.6%) |
| Metoclopramide (A03FA01) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| A06A | Laxatives | n/a | 3 (4.7%) |
| Sodium picosulfate (A06AB08) | n/a | 3 (4.7%) | |
| A 10 | Blood glucose lowering medications, excl. insulins | n/a | 2 (3.1%) |
| Glibenclamide (A10BB01) | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) | |
| Glipizide (A10BB07) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| B01A | Antithrombotic agents | n/a | 11 (17.2%) |
| Rivaroxaban (B01AF01) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| Apixaban (B01AF02) | n/a | 10 (15.6%) | |
| C01 | Cardiac therapy | n/a | 8 (12.5%) |
| Digoxin (C01AA05) | n/a | 4 (6.3%) | |
| Amiodarone (C01BD01) | n/a | 4 (6.3%) | |
| C02 | Antihypertensive therapy | n/a | 1 (1.6%) |
| Doxazosin (C02CA04) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| C03D | Diuretics, potassium-sparing agents | n/a | 5 (7.8%) |
| Spironolactone (> 25 mg/days) | n/a | 5 (7.8%) | |
| C07 | Betablocking agents | n/a | 1 (1.6%) |
| Sotalol (C07AA07) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| C08 | Calcium channel blockers | n/a | 1 (1.6%) |
| Diltiazem (C08DB01) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| G03C | Oestrogens (oral) | n/a | 2 (3.1%) |
| Estradiol (G03CA03) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| Estriol (G03CA04) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| G04 | Other urologicals, incl. antispasmodic medications | n/a | 2 (3.1%) |
| Tolterodine (G04BD07)a | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) | |
| Solifenacin (G04BD08)a | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) | |
| M01A | NSAID | 5 (29.4%) | 4 (6.3%) |
| Diclofenac (M01AB05) | 4 (23.5%) | 4 (6.3%) | |
| Naproxen (M01AE02) | 1 (5.9%) | n/a | |
| N02 | Analgesics—opioids | n/a | 3 (4.7%) |
| Codeine (N02AJ06) | 1 (5.9%) | n/a | |
| Tramadol (N02AX02) | 3 (17.6%) | 3 (4.7%) | |
| N03A | Antiepileptics | n/a | 1 (1.6%) |
| Carbamazepine (N03AF01) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| N04 | Antiparkinson medications | n/a | 2 (3.1%) |
| Pramipexole (N04BC05) | n/a | 2 (3.1%) | |
| N05A | Antipsychotics | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) |
| Flupentixol (N05AF01) | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) | |
| N05B | Anxiolytic medications | n/a | 2 (3.1%) |
| Hydroxyzine (N05BB01)a | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) | |
| Diazepam (N05BA01) | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) | |
| N05C | Hypnotics and sedatives | n/a | 12 (18.8%) |
| Zopiclone (N05CF01) > 3.75 mg/days | n/a | 9 (14.1%) | |
| Zolpidem (N05CF02) > 5 mg/days | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| Clomethiazole (N05CM02) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) | |
| Propiomazine (N05CM06) | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) | |
| N06A | Antidepressants | n/a | 2 (3.1%) |
| Amitriptyline (N06AA09)a | 1 (5.9%) | 1 (1.6%) | |
| Venlafaxine (N06AX16) | n/a | 1 (1.6%) |
aAnticholinergic medications according to Swedish quality indicators [in total 4 (23.5%) prescriptions]
Comparison between patients with and without PIMs using the Swedish quality indicators as the identification tool
| Characteristic of study sample | PIM | No PIM | Simple OR (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cases, n | 17 | 76 | |
| Sex, n (%) | |||
| Female | 10 (58.8) | 41 (53.9) | 1.22 (0.42–3.54) |
| Age (years), mean ± SD | 78.3 ± 8.2 | 79.7 ± 8.3 | 0.94 (0.92–1.05) |
| Number of medications at admission, mean ± SD | 9.7 ± 2.6 | 7.8 ± 3.7 | 1.16 (1.00–1.35) |
| Diseases | |||
| Arrhythmias, n (%) | 2 (11.8) | 24 (31.6) | 0.30 (0.06–1.37) |
| Cancer, n (%) | 3 (17.6) | 18 (23.7) | 0.69 (0.18–2.68) |
| Chronic respiratory disease, n (%) | 5 (29.4) | 10 (13.2) | 2.75 (0.80–9.48) |
| Diabetes mellitus, n (%) | 6 (35.3) | 11 (14.5) | 3.22 (0.99–10.50) |
| Hypertension, n (%) | 12 (70.6) | 34 (44.7) | 2.97 (0.95–9.24) |
| Heart failure, n (%) | 4 (23.5) | 18 (23.7) | 0.99 (0.29–3.42) |
| Stroke/TIA, n (%) | 2 (11.8) | 8 (10.5) | 1.13 (0.22–5.89) |
No significant variables were found in the simple model, so no multiple analysis was performed
CI confidence interval, OR odds ratio, SD standard deviation, TIA transient ischemic attack
Comparison between patients with and without PIMs using the EU (7)-PIM list as the identification tool
| Characteristic of study sample | PIM | No PIM | Simple OR (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cases, n | 42 | 51 | |
| Sex, n (%) | |||
| Female, n (%) | 22 (52.4) | 29 (56.9) | 0.83 (0.37–1.90) |
| Age (years), mean ± SD | 80.3 ± 7.8 | 78.8 ± 8.6 | 1.02 (0.97–1.08) |
| Number of medication at admission, mean ± SD | 8.2 ± 3.1 | 8.2 ± 3.9 | 1.00 (0.89–1.13) |
| Diagnosis | |||
| Arrhythmias, n (%) | 14 (33.3) | 12 (23.5) | 1.63 (0.65–4.04) |
| Cancer, n (%) | 10 (23.8) | 11 (21.6) | 1.14 (0.43–3.01) |
| Chronic respiratory disease, n (%) | 9 (21.4) | 6 (11.8) | 2.05 (0.66–6.31) |
| Diabetes mellitus, n (%) | 7 (16.7) | 10 (19.6) | 0.82 (0.80–2.38) |
| Hypertension, n (%) | 21 (50.0) | 25 (49.0) | 1.04 (0.46–2.35) |
| Heart failure, n (%) | 10 (23.8) | 12 (23.5) | 1.02 (0.39–2.65) |
| Stroke/TIA, n (%) | 3 (7.1) | 7 (13.7) | 0.48 (0.12–2.00) |
No significant variables were found in the simple model, so no multiple analysis was performed
CI confidence interval, OR odds ratio, SD standard deviation, TIA transient ischemic attack
| Comment | ATC code | |
|---|---|---|
|
| ||
| Acarbose | A10BF01 | |
| Acetylsalicylic acid | > 325 mg | N02BA01 |
| Alimemazine | R06AD01 | |
| Almotriptan | N02CC05 | |
| Alprazolam | N05BA12 | |
| Aluminium-containing antacids | A02AD01 | |
| Amfebutamone | N06AX12 | |
| Amiodarone | C01BD01 | |
| Amitriptyline | N06AA09 | |
| Apixaban | B01AF02 | |
| Aripiprazole | N05AX12 | |
| Atropine | A03BA01 | |
|
| ||
| Baclofen | M03BX01 | |
| Biperiden | N04AA02 | |
| Bromocriptine | N04BC01 | |
|
| ||
| Cabergoline | N04BC06 | |
| Carbamazepine | N03AF01 | |
| Celecoxib | M01AH01 | |
| Chlorprothixene | N05AF03 | |
| Clemastine | R06AA04 | |
| Clomethiazole | N05CM02 | |
| Clomipramine | N06AA04 | |
| Clonazepam | N03AE01 | |
| Clonidine | C02AC01 | |
| Clozapine | N05AH02 | |
|
| ||
| Dabigatran | B01AE07 | |
| Darifenacin | G04BD10 | |
| Dexketoprofen | M01AE17 | |
| Diazepam | N05BA01 | |
| Diclofenac (oral) | M01AB05 | |
| Digoxin | C01AA05 | |
| Diltiazem | C08DB01 | |
| Dimenhydrinate | R06AA02 | |
| Dipyridamole | B01AC07 | |
| Disopyramide | C01BA03 | |
| Doxazosin | C02CA04 | |
| Dronedarone | C01BD07 | |
| Droperidol | N05AD08 | |
|
| ||
| Ebastine | R06AX22 | |
| Eletriptan | N02CC06 | |
| Estradiol | Oral | G03CA03 |
| Estriol | Oral | G03CA04 |
| Etoricoxib | M01AH05 | |
|
| ||
| Famotidine | A02BA03 | |
| Ferrous sulfate | > 325 mg/d | B03AA01/07 |
| Fesoterodine | G04BD11 | |
| Flecainide | C01BC04 | |
| Flunitrazepam | N05CD03 | |
| Fluoxetine | N06AB03 | |
| Flupentixol | N05AF01 | |
| Fluphenazine | N05AB02 | |
| Fluvoxamine | N06AB08 | |
| Frovatriptan | N02CC07 | |
|
| ||
| Glibenclamide | A10BB01 | |
| Glimepiride | A10BB12 | |
| Glipizide | A10BB07 | |
|
| ||
| Haloperidol | > 2 mg single dose or > 5 mg/d | N05AD01 |
| Hydralazine | C02DB02 | |
| Hydroxyzine | N05BB01 | |
| Hyoscine | A04AD01 | |
| Hyoscyamine | A03BA03 | |
|
| ||
| Ivabradine | C01EB17 | |
|
| ||
| Ketoprofen | M01AE03 | |
| Ketorolac | M01AB15 | |
|
| ||
| Labetalol | C07AG01 | |
| Levomepromazine | N05AA02 | |
| Lithium | N05AN01 | |
| Lorazepam | > 1 mg/d | N05BA06 |
|
| ||
| Maprotiline | N06AA21 | |
| Meclozine | R06AE05 | |
| Meloxicam | M01AC06 | |
| Methadone | N07BC02 | |
| Methylphenidate | N06BA04 | |
| Metoclopramide | A03FA01 | |
| Midazolam | N05CD08 | |
| Moxonidine | C02AC05 | |
|
| ||
| Nabumetone | M01AX01 | |
| Naratriptan | N02CC02 | |
| Nifedipine | Non-sustained-release/sustained-release | C08CA05 |
| Nitrazepam | N05CD02 | |
| Nortriptyline | N06AA10 | |
|
| ||
| Olanzapine | > 10 mg/d | N05AH03 |
| Orphenadrine | M03BC01 | |
| Oxazepam | > 60 mg/d | N05BA04 |
| Oxybutynin | Non-sustained-release/sustained-release | G04BD04 |
|
| ||
| Paroxetine | N06AB05 | |
| Perphenazine | N05AB03 | |
| Pethidine | N02AB02 | |
| Phenobarbital | N03AA02 | |
| Phenylpropanolamine | R01BA01 | |
| Phenytoin | N03AB02 | |
| Pindolol | C07AA03 | |
| Pioglitazone | A10BG03 | |
| Piracetam | N06BX03 | |
| Piroxicam | M01AC01 | |
| Pramipexole | N04BC05 | |
| Prasugrel | B01AC22 | |
| Promethazine | R06AD02 | |
| Propafenone | C01BC03 | |
| Propiomazine | N05CM06 | |
| Propranolol | C07AA05 | |
| Prucalopride | A06AX05 | |
|
| ||
| Racecadotril | A07XA04 | |
| Ranitidine | A02BA02 | |
| Reboxetine | N06AX18 | |
| Rivaroxaban | B01AF01 | |
| Rizatriptan | N02CC04 | |
| Ropinirole | N04BC04 | |
| Rotigotine | N04BC09 | |
|
| ||
| Selegiline | N04BD01 | |
| Senna glycosides | A06AB06 | |
| Sertindole | N05AE03 | |
| Sitagliptin | A10BH01 | |
| Sodium picosulfate | A06AB08 | |
| Solifenacin | G04BD08 | |
| Sotalol | C07AA07 | |
| Spironolactone | > 25 mg/d | C03DA01 |
| Strontium ranelate | M05BX03 | |
| Sumatriptan | N02CC01 | |
|
| ||
| Terazosin | G04CA03 | |
| Terbutaline | Oral | R03CC03 |
| Theophylline | R03DA04 | |
| Tibolone | G03CX01 | |
| Tolterodine | Non-sustained-release/sustained-release | G04BD07 |
| Topiramate | N03AX11 | |
| Tramadol | Non-sustained-release/sustained-release | N02AX02 |
| Triazolam | N05CD05 | |
| Trihexyphenidyl | N04AA01 | |
|
| ||
| Venlafaxine | N06AX16 | |
| Verapamil | C08DA01 | |
| Vildagliptin | A10BH02 | |
|
| ||
| Zaleplon | > 5 mg/d | N05CF03 |
| Ziprasidone | N05AE04 | |
| Zolmitriptan | N02CC03 | |
| Zolpidem | > 5 mg/d | N05CF02 |
| Zopiclone | > 3.75 mg/d | N05CF01 |
| Zuclopenthixol | N05AF05 | |
d day, IR immediate release, SR slow release