Ordination af syrehæmmende medicin på en medicinsk afdeling

Introduction: The use of acid-suppressing medications is increasing constantly. Inappropriate prescription in hospital may be a part of the problem. Materials and methods: The use of acid-suppressing medications (proton pump inhibitors and H2-blockers) was assessed in 566 patients admitted to a general internal medicine unit of a teaching hospital. A review of their charts was done to determine the type of medication used, the indications for use, the investigations done and the amount of information given to the patient's family doctor upon discharge. Results: 127 (22%) patients were treated with acid-suppressing medication. The therapy was initiated in the hospital for 73 (13%) of the patients; for another 54 patients, the medication was prescribed before the initial admission and continued during the hospitalization. A proton pump inhibitor was prescribed in 84% of the cases. The most common indications for prescribing were gastrointestinal bleeding and dyspeptic symptoms. The percentage of patients on acid-suppressing therapy increased with increasing length of stay: 18% for patients staying up to 5 days; 42% for patients with a stay greater than 10 days. Age and gender did not predict the frequency of prescription. The prescription was considered appropriate in less than half of the cases. Discussion: There is a need for continued education of hospital doctors on the appropriate use of acid-suppressing drugs.