Characterization of Usage Patterns of Drugs Suspected to Cause Adverse Drug Reactions in Older Hospitalized Patients.

In the continuous-use group (n = 39), antihypertensives were the most frequently identified suspected drugs (46.2%), followed by diuretics (17.9%), analgesics (12.8%), and antidiabetic drugs (7.7%); the most common adverse drug reactions were hypotension (35.9%), bradycardia/tachycardia (17.9%), and electrolyte abnormalities (17.9%).

In the new/changed-use group, antihypertensives were also the most frequently identified suspected drugs (15.0%), followed by antibiotics, diuretics, antidementia drugs, and analgesics (10.0%); the adverse drug reactions included hypotension (22.5%), nausea and vomiting (17.5%), and electrolyte abnormalities (15.0%).