Prevalence of the most frequent ATC groups and subgroups in polypharmacized patients of Emergency medical service Belgrade

Abstract

Introduction: Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system classifies active ingredients of drugs according to the organ or system on which they act and their therapeutic, pharmacological, and chemical properties. Objective: To establish the five most frequently used drug groups and subgroups according to ATC classification system in patients on polypharmacy in relation to age and gender, and to establish the five most frequent combinations of drugs used by patients on polypharmacy. Method: In the period from 2008 until 2013, one EMS doctor surveyed his patients in the field regarding drugs they were using. In 688 patients on polypharmacy, we have analyzed the prevalence of drugs according to the ACT classification system. Results: Most frequently used drugs belonged to C, N, A, R and M group of ATC classification. Of statistical significance is that Female patients were more often using drugs for treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs and anxiolytics, whereas male patients were using predominantly drugs from R category and antiarrhythmics. Difference is statistically significant. Also statistically significant is that patients younger than 65 have more often used lipid-lowering drugs, antiepileptic, anxiolytics, antidepressants and drugs for treatment of respiratory diseases, whereas patient older than 65 have more often used drugs for treatment of cardiovascular diseases and vasodilatating drugs. Combination of drugs that act on cardiovascular, nervous and digestive system was the most frequently used combination. Conclusion: The most often used drugs belonged to C, N, A, R and MATC group, and the most frequent combination of drugs was the combination of drugs used for treatment of cardiovascular system, nervous and digestive system. Women are using drugs for treatment of musculoskeletal system, including antinflammatory and antirheumatic drugs, as well as anxyolytics more often than men, and men are using drugs for treatment of respiratory system and antiarrhitmics more often than women.