The use and misuse of antihypertensive medications [abstract]

ABSTRACT

The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the use and misuse of antihypertensive medications. "Use" is defined as the stringent adherence to prescribed therapy and to the instructions of the healthcare provider. "Misuse" is the alteration of prescribed therapy by the patient, who fails to comply with/adhere to the prescribers instructions. "Non-adherence" is a form of misuse, in which the patient fails to conform to the prescribed drug regime. The methodology of this study entailed a review of primary literature, interviews with colleagues and the clinical experience of the researchers. Use, misuse, and non-adherence to antihypertensive medications are global issues. In the United States of America, 25 percent of hospital admissions are due to patients' misuse or non-adherence to medication therapy. Unfortunately, local statistics are unavailable for comparison. The study did conclude that, locally, problems do exist with the use and misuse of hypertensive medications. Management of medication therapy in the hypertensive patient can be achieved by a health-care team approach and patient education. (AU)