Table 4.
Classes of medications used to treat multiple chronic morbidities according to physiological systems
| Chronic medical conditions | Patients with hypertension | Patients with diabetes and hypertension |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular system | ||
| Antihypertensive drugs | 2,265 (47.03) | 2,500 (32.11) |
| Lipid-regulating drugs | 512 (10.63) | 845 (10.85) |
| Antiplatelet drugs | 302 (6.27) | 582 (7.47) |
| Nitrovasodilators | 109 (2.26) | 104 (1.34) |
| Uric acid-lowering agents | 105 (2.18) | 123 (1.58) |
| Phlebotropic drugsa | 13 (0.27) | 8 (0.10) |
| Cytoprotective anti-ischemic agentsb | 12 (0.25) | 15 (0.19) |
| Cardiac glycosides | 8 (0.17) | 3 (0.04) |
| Antiarrhythmic drugs | 0 (0) | 1 (0.01) |
| Hemorheologic agentsc | 0 (0) | 4 (0.05) |
| Central nervous system | ||
| Psychotropic drugs | 28 (0.58) | 84 (1.08) |
| Endocrine system | ||
| Drugs used in diabetes | – | 1,970 (25.30) |
| Thyroid hormonal replacement therapy | 86 (1.79) | 116 (1.49) |
| Antithyroid drugs | 2 (0.04) | 6 (0.08) |
| Eye | ||
| Antiglaucoma | 6 (0.12) | 12 (0.15) |
| Nutrition and blood | ||
| Calcium supplements | 47 (0.98) | 66 (0.85) |
| Anemia and other blood disorders | 32 (0.66) | 40 (0.51) |
| Vitamin D derivatives | 14 (0.29) | 33 (0.42) |
| Respiratory system | ||
| Bronchodilators/anti-inflammatory agents | 73 (1.52) | 55 (0.71) |
| Miscellaneous drugs | 22 (0.46) | 28 (0.36) |
| Total | 3,636 (75.50) | 6,595 (84.69) |
Values are presented as numbers (%).
a
Fixed dose combination of diosmin 450 mg plus hesperidin 500 mg (Daflon®) indicated for the treatment of chronic venous diseases.
b
Includes trimetazidine which is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment for angina pectoris in case of inadequate control by or intolerance to first-line antianginal therapies.
c
Includes pentoxifylline used in the treatment of circulatory ischemic disorders such as in intermittent claudication.