Therapeutic 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• Ambulatory Health Care Data
• National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
• Food and Drug Administration
• National Institutes of Health