Perfil de uso de sedantes vestibulares para el tratamiento de vértigo periférico en Colombia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: The inappropriate use of vestibular sedatives is associated with an increased risk of falls, hospitalizations, high costs, adverse events, and poorer clinical outcomes. Therefore, knowing medication consumption and its variation over time is crucial. The objective was to establish the usage profile of vestibular sedatives in the outpatient treatment of peripheral vertigo in patients over 18 years old insured under the Colombian Social Security System, from July 2021 to June 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study used information from a medication dispensation database, evaluating sociodemographic, pharmacological, and clinical variables. Univariate and bivariate descriptive analysis were performed to establish a possible relationship between active ingredients, polypharmacy, interactions, synergy, and the prescribing doctor. Results: 22,776 patients were identified, with a median age of 56 years, where 64.65% were female. Concerning the usage profile of vestibular sedatives: Dimenhydrinate, had the highest dispensation at 72.30%, indicated for paroxysmal vertigo and other peripheral vertigos, followed by Betahistineat 37,50%, diphenhydramine at 6.50%, and Meclizine at 0.40%. Prolonged use of any vestibular sedative was observed in 7.0%, 74.45% exhibited polypharmacy, and the synergy summation was 4.80%. Conclusion: Dimenhydrinate had the highest prescription rate in Colombia. The significant percentage of polypharmacy and pharmacological management of benign paroxysmal vertigo is noteworthy. Therefore, individualized treatment is suggested, considering potential adverse reactions.
Institution: Universidad FUCS
Language: Spanish
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410031361