Abstract
The high-risk medications used in the elderly is a pressing problem that is a concern in many countries
around the world. However, in Thailand there is still lack of studies related to this issue. Therefore,this study was aimed at surveying the high-risk medications used in the elderly at Wang Taku Subdistrict,
Nakhon Pathom based on the criteria for high-risk medications used in the elderly of Winit-Watjana W. et
al. The data of this cross-sectional study were collected by surveying and interviewing the elderly. Of 118
elderly, 72.9 % were female. Average age was 72.63 ± 5.25 years. Most medical problems found were
hypertension, (76.3%). Of 421 drug items, 92 items were high risk medication use or 0.78 item per patient.
The findings revealed 79 drug items with potentials to cause adverse reactions; 11 drug items with drugdisease
interactions and 2 drug items with drug-drug interaction. After analyzing each subgroup, angiotensin
converting enzyme inhibitors (out of 34 drug items) was mostly found in causing adverse reaction
and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (16 drug items) were subsequently found. In drug-disease
interaction subgroup, hypertension/heart disease (9 items) were found to be the most, and the other 2
items were gout-hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and asthma/ COPD-benzodiazepine. The last subgroup,
drug-drug interaction, aspirin with NSAIDs and digoxin with HCTZ were found. Results of this study
can be used to develop a guideline for advising and monitoring high-risk drug use.
