An investigation of the association of benzodiazepines and other hypnotics with the incidence of falls in the elderly.
Clinical and medication data from 2,878 admissions to a Department for Care of the Elderly were examined retrospectively to determine the association between the administration of hypnotics/benzodiazepines and the incidence of falls. Only lorazepam prescribed to females and nitrazepam prescribed to males were associated with a significantly increased incidence of falls. Women fell significantly more frequently than men, and 7.5% of falls resulted in fractures. Stroke was the most common major diagnosis in fall-cases, followed by infection, Parkinsonism and confusion.
Pharmacy Department, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, U.K.
V F
VF
Trewin
C J
CJ
Lawrence
G B
GB
Veitch
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D001569:Benzodiazepines