Recorded presentation

Kristine E. Pringle, MS¹, Frank M. Ahern, PhD², Debra A. Heller, PhD¹, Carol H. Gold, PhD², and Theresa V. Brown, MPA³. (1) The PACE Program, First Health Services Corporation, 4000 Crums Mill Rd, Suite 301, Harrisburg, PA 17112, 717-651-3630, PringlKr@fhsc.com, (2) Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 315 East Health and Human Development, University Park, PA 16802, (3) The PACE Program, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, 555 Walnut St., 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101

This research examines concomitant use of alcohol and alcohol-interactive (AI) drugs among elderly enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE). We identified all AI drugs using warning codes obtained from First DataBank. Prescription drug claims were used to characterize AI drug use by therapeutic class, and mail survey data from PACE cardholders (n=92,652) were used in conjunction with drug claims to examine socio-demographic and health factors associated with concomitant use of alcohol and AI drugs.

Results show that 77% of prescription drug users were exposed to AI drugs. We found significant variation in AI drug exposure by therapeutic class, ranging from 100% among those using central nervous system agents, to 14% among those using gastrointestinal drugs. Concomitant alcohol use also varied by class. Whereas individuals using AI drugs in some classes, such as smooth muscle relaxants, were significantly less likely to use alcohol when compared to all other individuals (16% versus 20%, p<0.0001), other classes showed no difference.

Logistic regression results suggest that certain groups of elderly, including males and those who are divorced are at high risk for concurrent use of alcohol and AI drugs. An important finding is that as physical health worsens, concomitant use decreases, but as cognitive health worsens, concomitant use increases, suggesting that concomitant use may be related to memory. Results suggest that despite widespread AI drug exposure, certain groups of elderly continue to drink, highlighting the need for physicians to complete thorough screenings for alcohol use to prevent adverse reactions.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Understand the importance of alcohol as a risk for adverse reactions in drug therapy.
  6. Recognize the variation in alcohol-interactive drug exposure by therapeutic class among the elderly.
  9. Describe the concomitant use of alcohol and alcohol-interactive drugs by therapeutic class among the elderly.
  12. Identify the factors associated with concomitant use of alcohol and alcohol-interactive drugs among the elderly.

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Prescription Drug Use Patterns

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation