Open AccessGuidelines for Safe Drug Use
Author(s) -
김수현,
정혜경,
신인순,
이진서,
류연주,
홍경섭,
방수미,
장윤석,
김찬규,
이병완,
홍승재,
김창오
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the korean journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2289-0769
pISSN - 1738-9364
DOI - 10.3904/kjm.2021.96.3.225
Subject(s) - polypharmacy , medicine , guideline , medical prescription , pill , drug , alternative medicine , over the counter , health care , intensive care medicine , family medicine , pharmacology , pathology , economics , economic growth
Background/Aims: In Korea, medications are available by prescription from a physician, or can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Education regarding both prescribed and OTC drugs is important to minimize side effects and avoid drug abuse. The risk of side effects due to polypharmacy is increasing due to the growing number of elderly patients with comorbidities.Methods: There are various clinical guidelines for physicians, but it is difficult for patients and their caregivers to find published guidelines regarding drug use. In this regard, experts from nine subspecialties of internal medicine, geriatric medicine, and guideline development methodology formed a working group to develop guidelines for safe drug use under the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee of the Korean Association of Internal Medicine.Results: The main contents of this guideline are 1) safe and effective drug administration, 2) the proper use of analgesics (acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), 3) the proper use of tranquilizers and sleeping pills to prevent drug abuse, 4) points to be aware of when taking multiple medications.Conclusions: The guidelines were developed for patients and their caregivers to understand the general principles and precautions for drug use, including commonly used painkillers, mood stabilizers, sleeping pills, and polypharmacy. These guidelines could also be used as educational materials for physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers to educate patients and their caregivers.