Drugs taken by a population based sample of subjects 65 years and over in New Zealand.

Drug taking by a population based sample of 559 subjects aged 65 years and over was investigated. The median number of drugs prescribed for those 65-79 years was 1.5 drugs per subject and for those 80 years and over was 2.1 drugs per subject. In those 80 years and over, over 30% were taking diuretics, over 20% were taking digoxin and over 30% were taking psychotropic drugs. Analysis of those taking six or more drugs showed that the number of drugs prescribed could be reduced by avoiding duplication of drugs with similar action, avoiding unnecessary drugs and avoiding drugs of no proven value. The majority of subjects knew the purpose of their medications, were able to read the prescription instructions and complied with these instructions. Sharing and hoarding of tablets were uncommon.