Rationality of benzodiazepines use in older patients

Institution/department: Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy Title of diploma thesis: Rationality of benzodiazepine use in older patients Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Daniela Fialová, PharmDr. Ph.D. Author: Adriana Magátová Introduction: Benzodiazepines are one of the most commonly prescribed potentially inappropriate drugs (PIMs) in geriatric patients in Europe and are responsible for common problems associated with risky drug prescription in older age (eg, cognitive impairment, falls, orthostatic hypotension, drug dependence, and others). Physiological and pathophysiological changes associated with the aging process, as well as frequent polymorbidity and polypharmacotherapy, are associated with more frequent occurrence of drug-related complications in older age. With the growing proportion of geriatric population, the importance of preventing drug complications in older adults increases. The aim of this study was to compare prescribing habits in the use of BZD and in the use of drug combinations with sedative potential and to determine the association of their use with drug-related risks in geriatric patients in community pharmacy practice in Spain (SP) and the Czech Republic (CZ) and in groups of patients assessed in various healthcare settings..