Anticholinergic Burden Assessed Using General Practice Electronic Records. (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ball, Patrick A; Morrissey, Hana; Pilotto, Louis SJ
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmacy practice and research. Volume 43:Number 3(2013:Sep.)
• Page Start: 202
• Page End: 205
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: Hospital pharmacies -- Australia -- Periodicals; Pharmacy -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2013.tb00255.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1445-937X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Aim: To determine the anticholinergic burden (ACB) of an Australian primary care population. Method: A cross‐sectional study was undertaken of medication data from 11 general practices. Participants were active patients aged 65 years and over seen at least 3 times in the last 2 years (n = 4853). The ACB score was calculated based on a UK peer‐reviewed scoring system (Fox) and a modified scale (Fox‐plus) that included medications not present in the Fox scale. The main outcome measure was total ACB from prescribed medications. Results: A Fox ACB score ≥ 4 is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, 249 (9%) females, 130 (6%) males and 379 (8%) overall fell in this category. Applying the Fox‐plus ACB scale, 983 (36%) females, 630 (30%) males and 1613 (33%) overall fell in this category. Conclusion: A large proportion of the elderly population may have cognitive impairment because of their therapy. Alternative medications or strategies are needed to maintain therapeutic benefits with a low ACB.