| Abstrakt: |
Background: The study was aimed to review the commonly prescribed drugs for elderly in Middle East (ME) and to assess the protocol used for elderly with polypharmacy in Middle ME East comparing to the US protocol. Methods: Two hundred and fifty patients aged = 40 years who are attended to different Hospitals were enrolled in this study. A history was taken for each patient including: name, gender, age, current drugs use, doses, using time (before or after meals), and duration of treatment with each drug. Statistical comparison of drugs prescribed for ME and US patients were established. Results: The percentage of drug prescription for certain drugs was higher in ME comparing to US, these include; cardiovascular drugs (P<0.001), Antibiotics/anti-invectives (P<0.001), Gastrointestinal tract (p<0.0001), Respiratory tract (p<0.0001), Dermatologic (P<0.01), Nutrients/supplements (P<0.001), Hypoglycemics (P<0.05), Steroids (P<0.0001), Anticoagulants (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The protocol used by the physicians in ME needs simple modification. Food-drug and drug-drug interaction was present and requires patient education and follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
