The use of antihypertensive drugs in geriatric patients

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 78 views

Identification of Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) in Geriatric Patients: A Study on the Use of Antihypertensive Drugs in H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital

Introduction

In today's rapidly advancing healthcare landscape, managing the health of elderly patients has become increasingly crucial. One of the significant challenges faced is the high prevalence of hypertensive patients who require antihypertensive therapy. Drug-related problems (DRPs) can be a major obstacle in achieving the desired health outcomes for these patients. This study aims to identify and analyze the DRPs that arise in the use of antihypertensive drugs among geriatric patients treated at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan during the January-December 2022 period.

Background

Drug-related problems (DRPs) are events or conditions that involve drug therapy that is actual or potentially interfere with the desired health results. Geriatric patients who experience hypertension are often susceptible to DRPs due to the high combination of drugs and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes that occur as we get older. Therefore, it is essential to analyze and understand this problem to improve the quality of antihypertensive therapy in this age group. The use of antihypertensive drugs in geriatric patients requires careful consideration of various factors, including the patient's age, comorbidities, and medication regimen.

Research Purposes

The main purpose of this study is to identify and determine the frequency of DRPs in the use of antihypertensive in geriatric patients treated at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan during 2022. The study aims to provide insights into the types of DRPs that occur in this population and to identify potential risk factors that contribute to these problems.

Methodology

This study is a descriptive retrospective with cross-sectional design. The data used originated from patient medical records who received antihypertensive therapy in the January-December 2022 period. The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification version 9.1 was used to analyze the DRPs.

Research Results

Of the total 132 medical records analyzed, it was found that most of the patients were women (59.09%), with the highest age group in the range of 60-65 years (41.66%). The longest time of treatment is 6-10 days (52.27%), and the most commonly used drug formulation is tablet (98.48%). The most frequently given antihypertensive drugs are Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB) (37.9%) and a combination type (31.61%). The most common diagnoses are Covid-19 and essential hypertension (11.35%). Of the 132 patients, there were 18 patients (13.63%) who experienced DRPs.

Identification of DRPs in the Problem Category (P)

The problem category (P) found 18 events, consisting of the effectiveness of treatment (27.77%) and the safety of treatment (72.22%). Meanwhile, in the category of causing (C), 18 events were found, which were divided into drug selection (77.77%) and dose selection (22.22%).

Conclusion

From this study, the DRPs were identified in the use of antihypertensive drugs in geriatric patients treated at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in the January-December 2022 period. Of the 18 patients who experienced DRPs, divided into two categories of problems with details of 5 events related to the effectiveness of treatment and 13 events related to treatment safety. In the category of causing, the selection of drugs is the main factor that contributes to DRPs in patients with a frequency of 14 events, while the selection of doses is recorded as many as 4 events.

Implications of the Study

This study highlights the importance of greater attention and supervision in the management of antihypertensive therapy among geriatric patients to minimize the risk of DRPs. Increasing the knowledge and skills of health workers, as well as strict monitoring of drug therapy, can help achieve better health results for patients in old age. The study also emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the potential risks associated with antihypertensive therapy and to take steps to mitigate these risks.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future studies should focus on identifying the specific risk factors that contribute to DRPs in geriatric patients and developing strategies to prevent these problems. The study also suggests the need for further research on the use of antihypertensive drugs in geriatric patients, including the evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of different treatment regimens.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the retrospective design. The study also relies on the accuracy of the medical records, which may be subject to errors or omissions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the DRPs that occur in the use of antihypertensive drugs among geriatric patients treated at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. The study highlights the importance of careful management of antihypertensive therapy in this population and emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to be aware of the potential risks associated with this therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) in Geriatric Patients

Q: What are drug-related problems (DRPs)?

A: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are events or conditions that involve drug therapy that is actual or potentially interfere with the desired health results. DRPs can occur due to various factors, including the patient's age, comorbidities, and medication regimen.

Q: What are the common types of DRPs in geriatric patients?

A: The common types of DRPs in geriatric patients include:

Effectiveness of treatment: The DRP occurs when the treatment does not achieve the desired health outcome.
Safety of treatment: The DRP occurs when the treatment causes harm or adverse effects to the patient.

Q: What are the common causes of DRPs in geriatric patients?

A: The common causes of DRPs in geriatric patients include:

Drug selection: The selection of the wrong drug or the wrong dose of the drug.
Dose selection: The selection of the wrong dose of the drug.

Q: How can healthcare providers prevent DRPs in geriatric patients?

A: Healthcare providers can prevent DRPs in geriatric patients by:

Conducting thorough medical history and physical examination: To identify potential risk factors for DRPs.
Carefully selecting and dosing medications: To minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Monitoring patients closely: To detect any potential problems early.

Q: What are the consequences of DRPs in geriatric patients?

A: The consequences of DRPs in geriatric patients can be severe and include:

Increased risk of hospitalization: DRPs can lead to hospitalization, which can be costly and stressful for the patient.
Increased risk of mortality: DRPs can lead to mortality, which can be devastating for the patient and their family.
Decreased quality of life: DRPs can lead to decreased quality of life, which can be frustrating and demoralizing for the patient.

Q: How can healthcare providers improve the management of antihypertensive therapy in geriatric patients?

A: Healthcare providers can improve the management of antihypertensive therapy in geriatric patients by:

Increasing knowledge and skills: Healthcare providers should increase their knowledge and skills in managing antihypertensive therapy in geriatric patients.
Strict monitoring of drug therapy: Healthcare providers should strictly monitor the drug therapy to detect any potential problems early.
Collaboration with other healthcare professionals: Healthcare providers should collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists and nurses, to ensure that the patient receives comprehensive care.

Q: What are the future directions for research on DRPs in geriatric patients?

A: The future directions for research on DRPs in geriatric patients include:

Identifying specific risk factors: Researchers should identify specific risk factors that contribute to DRPs in geriatric patients.
Developing strategies to prevent DRPs: Researchers should develop strategies to prevent DRPs in geriatric patients.
Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions: Researchers should evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent DRPs in geriatric patients.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include:

Small sample size: The study had a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Retrospective design: The study had a retrospective design, which may limit the ability to detect potential problems early.
Accuracy of medical records: The study relied on the accuracy of medical records, which may be subject to errors or omissions.