Frequency of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Iranian Elderly Hospitalized Patients

Abstract

Background: Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) should not be prescribed to the elderly due to low effectiveness and adverse drug reactions. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of PIMs in the elderly admitted to educational hospitals in Kerman, in 2023. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1500 elderly patients hospitalized in educational hospitals. The data collection forms were completed according to the health information system (HIS) of the hospital, which includes the patient’s age and gender, drug information, and the name of the hospital and ward. PIMs prescriptions were assessed according to Zhan’s criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0. The results were presented as mean±standard deviation (SD) and frequencies (percents). Results: Nearly 17.8% (n=267) of patients were treated with at least one PIMs included in the Zhan criteria. Among 331 PIMs used for patients, 43.5% (n=144), 23.3% (n=77), and 33.2% (n=110) of drugs were classified as always avoid, rarely appropriate, and some indication, respectively. Sedative-hypnotics, opioids, and antihistamines were the most prevalent PIMs with 29.5% (n=98), 25.4% (n=84), and 23.3% (n=77) frequency. Approximately 71.4% (n=10) of patients who were admitted to the Oncology ward, and 38.9% (n=33) of patients who were admitted to the Critical Care Unit were treated with at least one PIMs. Conclusion: Today PIMs are a problem for elderly patients. Paying attention to PIMS in oncology, and critical care unit wards is important. More attention should be paid to sedative-hypnotics, opioids, and antihistamines as the most frequently prescribed PIMs.