Emergency rooms are often the first line of defense when it comes to severe influenza or respiratory conditions. However, recent research suggests that the use of multiple drugs, aka cocktails, can prolong emergency visits for patients.

The Study Findings

A study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that patients who received two or more drugs at emergency departments with influenza or other respiratory illnesses had a 63 percent increased risk of spending more than six hours in the hospital.

The study analyzed data from 1,202 patients who visited emergency departments at 60 hospitals across the U.S. between 2016 and 2018.

They found that the average hospital stay for patients who received two or more drugs was 1.5 hours longer than patients who did not.

The Risks of Combining Drugs

According to the study’s lead author, Dr.

Michael Donnelly, “Emergency physicians should be cautious about prescribing multiple medications, as this can lead to longer stays and higher healthcare costs, and the combination of drugs can lead to unexpected side effects.”.

While drug combinations can sometimes be necessary for certain conditions, it’s essential to consider the risks and benefits of each drug individually and in combination.

Related Article Combining Influenza and Respiratory Medications Can Lead to Lengthy Emergency Treatment

Possible Solutions

The study suggests that one way to reduce hospital stays and healthcare costs is to limit the number of drugs prescribed at emergency departments.

Instead, physicians should focus on prescribing the most effective medication for the condition and avoiding unnecessary drug combinations.

Dr.

Donnelly also emphasized the importance of patient education, stating, “Patients should discuss all of their symptoms with their physicians, including any medications they are currently taking, to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.”.

Conclusion

The use of drug cocktails in emergency departments for influenza and respiratory illnesses can prolong hospital stays and increase healthcare costs.

While drug combinations can be necessary in some cases, it’s essential to consider the risks and benefits of each drug individually and in combination. Limiting the number of prescribed drugs and educating patients on potential drug interactions can help reduce hospital stays and healthcare costs.