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Medication Usage in an Elderly Population

One hundred eighty-three independently living elderly residents of two federally subsidized, urban high-rise apartment buildings were interviewed in their homes to determine the numbers and types of medications they used and stored and their utilization of pharmacy services. From these interviews and observations, the frequencies of use of medications and pharmacy services and the prevalence of potential problems were determined. Results showed that 75% of interviewees used a prescription drug regularly, and 82% used a nonprescription drug regularly. Fifty-one percent had stored noncurrent prescription drugs, while 67% had noncurrent nonprescription drugs in their homes. The most common problems encountered were discrepancies between labeled dosage and dosage actually used, potential drug interactions, and underuse of medication. Findings that may contribute to the risk of future medication problems were the prevalence of noncurrent medications stored in homes, the respondents' lack of knowledge about recognition and management of adverse drug reactions, and the underutilization of pharmacists as drug therapy consultants.