Acetaminophen overuse in the Ohio Medicaid population.
OBJECTIVE
To examine patterns of use of acetaminophen in patients with and without risk factors for hepatotoxicity in the Ohio Medicaid population.


METHODS
Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of claims data.


METHODS
Ohio.


METHODS
Ohio Medicaid patients (n = 22,496) who received at least 6 prescriptions for acetaminophen from November 1998 through April 1999.


METHODS
Overuse of acetaminophen, defined as an average daily dose (ADD) greater than or equal to 4 grams/day or an ADD of greater than or equal to 3 grams/day along with diagnosis codes suggesting underlying liver dysfunction.


RESULTS
We identified 687 patients (3.05%) who received either greater than or equal to 4 grams/day or greater than or equal to 3 grams/day and had diagnosis codes suggesting underlying liver dysfunction (n = 128).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the number is relatively small, some Ohio Medicaid patients are receiving acetaminophen doses that exceed safety recommendations. Because acetaminophen overuse is the leading cause of liver failure, health care professionals should be alert to the possibility of acetaminophen overuse.
Heaton
Pamela C
PC
Division of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0004, USA. pam.heaton@uc.edu
Cluxton
Robert J
RJ
Moomaw
Charles J
CJ
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000075202:Contraindications; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases; D008297:Male; D008484:Medicaid; D008875:Middle Aged; D009820:Ohio; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000082:Acetaminophen