Epidemiology of over-the-counter drug use in community dwelling elderly - United States perspective

Among US community dwelling individuals aged greater than or equal to 65 ye ars, about as many persons take nonprescription drugs as take prescription drugs. A review of US data from the last 2 decades indicates that the avera ge number of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs taken daily is around 1.8, but va ries with geographical area (highest in the Midwest) and race/ethnicity (lo west use among Hispanics. followed by African Americans, and highest use am ong Whites). Use has consistently been found to be higher in women than in men. While OTC use appears to be increasing over time. it also decreases wi th increase in age. The most common OTC classes used are analgesics, laxati ves and nutritional supplements. Our ability to explain or to predict OTC u se and change in use is poor, and further studies, particularly on use by e lderly individuals of minority races, are needed.