Therapeutic Drug Use
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Data are for the U.S.
Prescription drug use
- Percent of persons using at least one prescription drug in the past 30 days: 48.9% (2011-2014)
- Percent of persons using three or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days: 23.1% (2011-2014)
- Percent of persons using five or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days: 11.9% (2011-2014)
Source: Health, United States, 2016, table 79 [PDF – 9.8 MB]
Physician office visits
- Number of drugs ordered or provided: 3.7 billion
- Percent of visits involving drug therapy: 76.2%
- Most frequently prescribed therapeutic classes:
- Analgesics
- Antihyperlipidemic agents
- Antidepressants
Hospital outpatient department visits
- Number of drugs ordered or provided: 329.2 million
- Percent of visits involving drug therapy: 72.5%
- Most frequently prescribed therapeutic classes
- Analgesics
- Antidiabetic agents
- Antihyperlipidemic agents
Hospital emergency department visits
- Number of drugs ordered or provided: 340.6 million
- Percent of visits involving drug therapy: 79.1%
- Most frequently prescribed therapeutic classes
- Analgesics
- Antiemetic or antivertigo agents
- Minerals and electrolytes
More Data
- Selected prescription drug classes used in the past 30 days, by sex and age Health, United States, 2016, table 80 [PDF – 9.8 MB]
- Strategies Used by Adults to Reduce Their Prescription Drug Costs: United States, 2013
- Use of Medication Prescribed for Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties Among Children Aged 6–17 Years in the United States, 2011–2012
- Prescription Cholesterol-lowering Medication Use in Adults Aged 40 and Over: United States, 2003–2012
- Prescription Opioid Analgesic Use Among Adults: United States, 1999–2012
- Antidepressant Use in Persons Aged 12 and Over: United States, 2011-2014
- Prescription Sleep Aid Use Among Adults: United States, 2005–2010
- Psychotropic Medication Use Among Adolescents: United States, 2005–2010
- Page last reviewed: January 19, 2017
- Page last updated: May 3, 2017
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