Drug‐related problems as a cause of hospital admissions in Hong Kong

Abstract

AbstractThe importance of drug‐related problems as a cause of hospital admissions in Hong Kong was studied in 925 patients admitted to two general medical wards at the Prince of Wales Hospital between November 1992 and February 1993. Drug‐related problems were judged to be the main reason for hospital admissions in 88 patients (9.5 per cent). These were adverse drug reactions (n = 57), drug poisoning (n = 22) and treatment failure consequent to noncompliance or inappropriate reduction in dosage (n = 9). The most important adverse drug reactions were gastrointestinal hemorrhage (36.8 per cent) and hypoglycemia (24.6 per cent), and the three drug classes that were most commonly involved were non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (aspirin 12.3 per cent, non‐aspirin 28.1 per cent), sulphonylureas (19.3 per cent) and diuretics (12.3 per cent). Drug‐related problems are an important cause of hospital admissions, and much of the drug‐induced illnesses in Hong Kong could be preventable if particular attention was given to NSAID and sulphonylurea therapy. Patients should also be educated about the importance of good drug compliance.