A review of 347 outpatient prescriptions for 229 patients from January-June 2025 at one Thai general hospital classified 58.2% of omeprazole prescriptions as potentially inappropriate. Of these, 75.2% lacked an appropriate indication, followed by inappropriate duration.
Key findings
- Mean age was 61.35 years and 59.4% were women. Potentially inappropriate prescribing was 58.2%. Antiplatelet use had OR 0.21 (95% CI 0.11-0.38), and dual therapy OR 0.05 (95% CI 0.01-0.37). The abstract does not state the exact excess-cost amount.
Why this matters globally
PPIs are valuable when indicated, but unreviewed continuation adds cost and potential long-term risk. Indication prompts, stop/review dates, and pharmacist-led review may help without inappropriately discontinuing gastroprotection in high-risk patients.
Thai researcher contribution
Pathumthani University, Rangsit University, and Rajavithi 2 Hospital evaluated prescribing quality and financial implications using real Thai outpatient practice.
Limitations to consider
Six months at one hospital limits generalizability, and incomplete documentation may misclassify valid indications. Multiple prescriptions per patient may not be independent. The study measured prescribing, not harm or deprescribing outcomes, and patients should not stop omeprazole without clinical review.