A database analysis of potentially inappropriate drug use in an elderly Medicaid population

We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective review of 1996 Kentucky Medica id Pharmacy claims data to examine the prevalence of potentially inappropri ate drug use in 64,832 Medicaid recipients aged 65 years and older who rece ived a prescription. Twenty-seven percent of patients received at least one potentially inappropriate agent. Prevalence was higher for nursing home re sidents (33%) than for community dwellers (24%). Amitriptyline (7.6%), prop oxyphene (6.5%), doxepin (4.0%), and indomethacin (2.3%) were the most pres cribed potentially inappropriate agents. Education programs and interventio ns aimed at optimizing the prescribing and dispensing of the most appropria te drugs are needed.