Analysis of the prescription trends of potentially inappropriate medications in Korean older outpatients by sex: A retrospective study using data from the health insurance review and assessment service

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the policy implications for drug management by identifying the prescription trends of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older outpatients. Considering the Drug Utilization Review and Korean version of the standards for PIMs based on the Beers Criteria, 141 ingredients were selected that spanned over 7 years of health insurance claims data analysis. During the study period, the number of patients and claims related to PIMs increased. Although the number of health insurance claims decreased in 2020 owing to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it increased again in 2021. Tamsulosin was the most frequently prescribed drug for male patients, followed by alprazolam and zolpidem. For female patients, eperisone was the most frequently prescribed drug, followed by alprazolam, zolpidem, and etizolam. In Korea, health insurance claims for PIMs decreased in 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, an overall increasing trend was observed from 2015 to 2021. Moreover, during this period, the prescription trend of benzodiazepine-type drugs and zolpidem increased in both male and female patients. Therefore, management policies regarding PIMs and drug ingredients, such as benzodiazepines and zolpidem, are required.

Trends in commonly used and potentially inappropriate medications in older Korean patients with polypharmacy

“…This may reflect efforts to reduce the use of high-risk medications in older patients, as has been commonly reported. However, previous studies have reported an increase in the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults in various countries, including Korea, over the past two decades [ 12 , 13 ]. Recent studies on potentially inappropriate medication use have reported psychotropics and antihistamines as the most frequent prescriptions, similar to our findings, but with different active ingredients [ 5 , 23 ].…”

“…Previous studies have shown an increase in the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use among older adults in various countries, including Korea, over the past two decades [ 12 , 13 ]. A recent study estimated the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in older Korean outpatients to be as high as 81% [ 14 ].…”