Therapeutic Drug Use

Data are for the U.S.

Prescription drug use
  • Percent of persons using at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days: 48.6% (2015-2018)
  • Percent of persons using three or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days: 24.0% (2015-2018)
  • Percent of persons using five or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days: 12.8% (2015-2018)

Source: Health, United States, 2019, table 39 [PDF – 9.8 MB]

Physician office visits
  • Number of drugs provided or prescribed: 1.0 billion
  • Percent of visits involving drug therapy: 71.9%
  • Most frequently prescribed therapeutic classes:
    • Analgesics
    • Antihyperlipidemic agents
    • Vitamins

Source: National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2019 National Summary Tables, tables 20, 22 [PDF – 865 KB]

Hospital emergency department visits
  • Number of drugs given or prescribed: 361.3 million
  • Percent of visits involving drug therapy: 76.2%
  • Most frequently prescribed therapeutic classes
    • Analgesics
    • Minerals and electrolytes
    • Antiemetic or antivertigo agents

Source: National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2021 National Summary Tables, table 19, 20 [PDF – 830 KB]