[Prescription drugs, dizziness and accidental falls in hospital patients over 75 years of age].
The review of medication has been recommended as an important part in preventing falls. In a random sample of 276 hospital in-patients aged 75 and over, the frequency of prescribed drugs which may increase the risk of falling by causing dizziness was assessed. Questions about dizziness and previous falls were included in a standardized questionnaire. Patients with dizziness reported falls 10 times more often than patients without dizziness. Prescribed medications possibly causing dizziness were very common. Neuroleptics, antidepressants, hypnotics/sedatives, and combinations of drugs with hypotensive efficacy were significantly more often prescribed in patients who reported dizziness. Systematical review of medications appears to be worthwhile, particularly in cases with multiple drug prescriptions.
Albertinen-Haus Zentrum für Geriatrie, Hamburg.
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von Renteln-Kruse
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Micol
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Oster
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Schlierf
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004244:Dizziness / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs
Arzneimittelverordnungen, Schwindel und Stürze bei über 75jährigen Krankenhauspatienten.