A comparison of prescription medication use by nursing home and homebound dental patients

Abstract
The elderly consume a disproportionate number of prescription medications dispensed in the United States. Although medication use among nursing home residents has been documented, little information is available regarding the medication use of homebound elderly. This study compared the medication use of nursing home and homebound patients treated by a mobile dental homecare program. A total of 338 dental records were reviewed, identifying the number and type of medications used. In addition, medications with xerostomic potential were identified.