Overuse of Acid Suppression Therapy in Hospitalized Patients

• DOI: 10.1097/smj.0b013e3181ce0e7a
• Publication Date: 2011-04-06T17:34:30Z
• Authors: Ruchi Gupta; Praveen Garg; Ravi Kottoor; Juan Carlos Munoz; M. Mazen Jamal; Louis R. Lambiase; Kenneth J. Vega
• Keywords: Concomitant; Regimen; Pharmacotherapy

Acid suppression therapy (AST) is one of the most commonly prescribed classes medications in hospitalized patients. Multiple studies have shown that AST overused during inpatient admissions. However, minimal data available regarding frequency and patient characteristics those discharged on unnecessary AST. The aims study were to examine administration admission, characterize population determine predictive factors for inappropriate patients.A retrospective chart review randomly selected patients admitted general medicine service at University Florida Health Science Center/Jacksonville from August October 2006 appropriateness was done. admitting diagnosis, indications starting AST, type used, discharge these recorded a case by basis.Seventy percent started admission. Of these, 73% unnecessary. Stress ulcers prophylaxis low risk or concomitant use ulcerogenic drugs motivated initiation frequently. Sixty nine same regimen. Admitting age patient, length stay, did not predict continuation discharge.AST This primarily occurred compounded discharge. significantly increases cost health care system drug interactions.