Age-Related Prescribing Patterns of Antihypertensive Medications

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, renal failure, and stroke. Previous studies showed that prescription patterns of antihypertensive drugs varied by gender. Aim: This is a retrospective study that was conducted to describe the difference in prescribing antihypertensive drugs according to patients’ age. Methodology: In this study, the electronic prescriptions of hypertensive patients that were dispensed from the outpatient pharmacy of a public hospital in Alkharj were revised. Results: Generally, older patients are using antihypertensive drugs more than younger adults and their usage pattern of antihypertensive drugs is different according to age. Conclusion: It is important to know the age-related prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drugs and to know the efficacy and safety of these agents in different patients in order to develop an evidence-based and age-appropriate antihypertensive pharmacotherapy.