TABLE 3.
Characteristics of users of metformin alone, sulfonylurea drugs alone or sulfonylurea drugs + metformin
| Metformin alone | Sulfonylurea drugs alone | Sulfonylurea drugs + metformin | P‐value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N | 385 | 215 | 316 | |
| Age (years, standard deviation) | 69.6 (10.1) | 75.2 (9.7) | 72.1 (9.5) | <.001 |
| Sex male | 302 (78.4) | 162 (75.3) | 260 (82.3) | .146 |
| Concomitant drug use | ||||
| Beta blockers | 150 (39.0) | 88 (40.9) | 133 (42.1) | .696 |
| Calcium channel blockers | 80 (20.8) | 53 (24.7) | 68 (21.5) | .533 |
| Antithrombotics | 165 (42.9) | 87 (40.5) | 139 (44.0) | .720 |
| Diuretics | 185 (48.1) | 101 (47.0) | 153 (48.4) | .946 |
| Renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors | 234 (60.8) | 128 (59.5) | 208 (65.8) | .254 |
| Nitrates | 52 (13.5) | 37 (17.2) | 43 (13.6) | .409 |
| Statins | 260 (67.5) | 122 (56.7) | 197 (62.3) | .029 |
| Vaughan‐Williams class 1 or 3 antiarrhythmic drugs | 8 (2.1) | 7 (3.3) | 9 (2.8) | .654 |
| Non‐cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs | 24 (6.2) | 10 (4.7) | 12 (3.8) | .326 |
Numbers are number (%) unless indicated otherwise. P‐values are calculated using ANOVA or χ2 statistics.
Use of metformin and/or sulfonylurea drugs was defined as use within 90 days before the index date. Use of beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antithrombotics, diuretics, renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors, nitrates and/or statins was defined as use within 6 months before the index date. Use of Vaughan‐Williams class 1 or 3 antiarrhythmic drugs and/or non‐cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs was defined as use within 90 days before the index date.