Medication use Pattern among the Elderly in Iran: A Review Article

Abstract

Suffering from multiple diseases simultaneously has turned the elderly into the largest group of drug users in society. On the other hand, the situation of the pattern of drug consumption by the elderly vulnerable group has received less attention. The present study was conducted to determine the pattern of drug consumption among the elderly in the country between 2010 and 2023. The present study is a narrative review. Based on the defined keywords, a targeted search has been conducted in available Persian and English databases. 114 articles were found, and by removing duplicates and appraisal of abstracts based on the inclusion criteria and the purpose of the research, finally, 14 articles (8 English and 6 Persian) were analyzed. The most common drugs used by the elderly in Iran were cardiovascular, pain relievers, and digestive drugs, and more than 90 of the drugs were taken orally. Also, according to the findings, polypharmacy is common among the elderly in the country, and with the increase in the number of drugs used, self-administration of drugs, non-adherence to drugs, and the use of potentially inappropriate drugs have also increased. Previous recovery experience and easy access to medicine are also mentioned as the most important factors of self-treatment. The use of drugs by the Iranian elderly does not follow a logical pattern, which can not only lead to serious consequences in the health status of this age group but will also have significant economic and social consequences for the elderly and their families, the health system, and the society.