The use of benzodiazepine hypnotics in the elderly.
An epidemiologic study was conducted to observe patient-reported use and effects of triazolam, flurazepam, and oxazepam taken at bedtime among 2260 outpatients age 65 years or older in Canada. The study used pharmacy-based enrollment, with participant follow-up through a 3-day diary and a telephone interview. The study also evaluated how the three benzodiazepine hypnotics were prescribed. Prescription information showed that 66% of the flurazepam prescriptions were for the highest strength, compared to 39% and 35% for triazolam and oxazepam, respectively. As patient age increased, the highest strength of each agent was prescribed less frequently. For all drugs, 53% of prescriptions were written for use as necessary (prn), and the proportion who received such prescriptions increased with age. Patient reports, however, revealed that 57% were using a hypnotic every day, and this regular use increased with advancing age. Regular daily use was more common among those who used triazolam and oxazepam (62%) than those who took flurazepam (42%).
Baker
M I
MI
Upjohn Company of Canada, Ontario.
Oleen
M A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D004347:Drug Interactions; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D005479:Flurazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010076:Oxazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014229:Triazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014229:Triazolam; D010076:Oxazepam; D005479:Flurazepam