Abstract

AN INSIGHT INTO THE PATTERNS OF DRUG USE AND THE APPROPRIATENESS OF MEDICINES IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Arunima G.*, Nithin Manohar R., Jomin George Joseph, Albin J. Enchiparambil and Santhosh M. Mathew

ABSTRACT

Geriatrics, the most vulnerable section of the society, needs more care and attention based on the nature of their illness. Geriatric people ranges from age group of 65 years and above according to WHO age classification. Treating the elderly people is the most challenging aspect to the clinicians. As the age increases, multiple comorbid conditions arise which need to be taken into consideration in elderly patients. For a drug therapy to be successful, it should be containing rational and appropriate medicines. The rational use of medicines can be enhanced using WHO core prescribing indicators and potentially inappropriate medicines can be identified using Beers criteria. This review paper highlights the importance of identifying irrational and inappropriate prescribing and the methods to rectify them to improve the quality of prescribing.

Keywords: Geriatrics, WHO core prescribing indicators, Beers criteria.