Potentially Inappropriate Gastrointestinal Medication for Patients with the Common Cold

Background:The common cold is a prevalent reason for visiting a doctor.This study aimed to determine the national prevalence of use of potentially inappropriate gastrointestinal (GI) drugs in treating common colds in ambulatory settings in Korea, and to identify its influencing factors. Methods:This cross-sectional study analyzed National Patient Sample data from December 1 to December 31, 2018.We included patients aged ≥20 years who were diagnosed with a cold and visited a primary care clinic, and excluded those with GI disorders within the 3 months preceding their cold diagnosis.We investigated whether outpatient prescriptions for these patients included any GI medications and estimated the percentage of prescriptions for GI drugs.Multiple logistic regression analysis investigated the factors influencing GI drug prescription. Results:The study revealed that 43.8% of patients with cold were prescribed potentially inappropriate GI medications.Women were more likely to receive these prescriptions (odds ratio [OR]=1.314,95% confidence interval [CI]=1.144-1.508).Region and specialized areas of clinics played a role in the prescription of potentially inappropriate GI medications.The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was directly associated with potentially inappropriate GI drug prescription (OR=1.903,95% CI=1.648-2.199),and patients prescribed fewer cold medicines were more likely to receive GI drugs. Conclusion:This study highlights the high rate of potentially inappropriate GI medication in treating common colds in Korea.Factors identified as influencing this practice include female sex, surgical specialties of clinicians, nonmetropolitan areas, NSAID use, and fewer medications prescribed in common cold drug prescriptions.