Table 2.
Drug classes addressed in formalised consensus
| Therapeutic class (ATC code) | Rationale for deprescribing a | Number of NH (%) n = 26 b |
|---|---|---|
| Proton-pump inhibitors (A02BC) | Frequent overprescribing; side-effects in case of long-term use | 21 (78%) |
| Lipid modifying agents (C10) | Negative risk/benefit ratio in people aged 85 or more if used in primary prevention | 17 (63%) |
| Benzodiazepines (N05B & N05C) | Side effects in case of long-term use | 10 (37%) |
| Urinary spasmolytics (G04BD) and anticholinergic drugs | Lack of efficacy (urinary spasmolytics); frequent side effects (all anticholinergics) | 9 (33%) |
| Glucose-lowering drugs (A10B) | Higher HbA1C targets for very old patients; risk of adverse events if blood sugar too low | 9 (33%) |
| Antihypertensives (C03, C07, C08, C09) | Higher blood pressure targets for very old patients | 8 (30%) |
| Bisphosphonates (M05BA & M05BB) | Lack of evidence for efficacy after 5+ years of treatment | 6 (22%) |
| Anti-dementia drugs (N06D) | Lack of efficacy; high costs | 6 (22%) |
| Antidepressants (N06A) | Frequent overprescribing | 6 (22%) |
| Antipsychotics (N05A) | Lack of evidence for use in behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia | 5 (19%) |
ATC Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical classification, NH nursing home, HbA1C glycated haemoglobin; n (% of column); a: as presented in the education session; b: 1 NH did not perform the intervention