Number of changes in drug regimens during hospital stay, and within 4–5 months after discharge from hospital
| No. of drugs | Mean (SD) | Drug groups by ATC involved in changes (number of times) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changes during hospital stay | |||
| Start | 304 | 2.9 (2.1) | Antitrombotics B01A (56), betablocking agents C07A (18), laxantia A06A (17), hypnotics N05C (16). Drugs most often involved: acetylsalisylicacid, warfarin and metoprolol |
| Dose adjustment | 66 | 0.6 (0.9) | Betablocking agents C07A (9), diuretics C03C (7), digitalis glycosides C01A (6). Drugs most often involved: metoprolol and loop-diuretics |
| Stop | 95 | 0.9 (1.2) | Antitrombotics B01A (12), ACE inhibitors C09A/B (8), betablocking agents C07A (7), diuretics C03C (7). Drugs most often involved: loop-diuretics and metoprolol |
| Changes by GP after hospital stay | |||
| Start | 134 | 1.3 (1.4) | Opioid analgesics N02A (17), weak analgesics N02B (12). Drugs most often involved: paracetamol and combination of codeine/paracetamol |
| Dose adjustment | 73 | 0.7 (1.1) | Adrenergics for inhalation R03A (9), diuretics C03C (6), oral glucocorticoids H02A (6). Drugs most often involved: metoprolol and prednisolon |
| Stop | 150 | 1.4 (1.8) | Antithrombotic agents B01A (14), hypnotics N05C (13), oral glucocorticoids H02A (11). Drugs most often involved: zopiclone and prednisolon |
Number of changes* is shown on the ATC-3 level for drug groups that were most often changed. n=105 patients
*Some of the patients had more than one change.
ATC, the anatomical therapeutic chemical classification for drugs8; GP, general practitioner.