open access

Vol 69, No 1 (2018)
Original article
Submitted: 2018-03-16
Accepted: 2018-03-22
Published online: 2018-03-28
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Benzodiazepine prescriptions on merchant ships without a doctor on board: analysis from medical records of Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM)

Giulio Nittari1, Graziano Pallotta1, Marzio Di Canio2, Enea Traini1, Francesco Amenta12
·
Pubmed: 29611611
·
IMH 2018;69(1):28-34.
Affiliations
  1. Telemedicine and Telepharmacy Centre University of Camerino, 62032 CAMERINO, Italy
  2. Research Department, International Radiomedical Centre (CIRM), 00144 Rome, Italy

open access

Vol 69, No 1 (2018)
MARITIME MEDICINE Original article
Submitted: 2018-03-16
Accepted: 2018-03-22
Published online: 2018-03-28

Abstract

Background: Benzodiazepines are drugs widely used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. The present study has analysed the prescriptions of this class of drugs among sailing seafarers, to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed therapies.

Materials and methods: This study assessed the benzodiazepine prescriptions made by Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM) doctors from 2011 to 2015. A total of 17,844 medical records were examined. Analysis considered the prescriptions of benzodiazepines in monotherapy, or in association with other drugs. Diagnoses of pathologies for which benzodiazepines were prescribed were made according to the ICD-10 classification system proposed by the World Health Organisation.

Results: Among medical records analysed, benzodiazepines were prescribed in 765 cases (3.29% of total cases assisted by CIRM). Benzodiazepines were prescribed as a single-drug treatment in 626 (81.83%) cases, whereas in 139 cases they were associated with other classes of drugs. In case of opioids prescribed in association with benzodiazepines, the drug used was codeine. This therapeutic association was prescribed in cases of severe pain.

Conclusions: Although the “off label” use of benzodiazepines is not uncommon in medical practice, clear evidence indicates their potential side effects for human health. In this respect, medical professionals should comply with international guidelines on the use of benzodiazepines, both when prescribed as a single drug or in combination with other classes of drugs. These recommendations should be considered seriously in case of limited medical facilities such as on board of sailing ships.  

Abstract

Background: Benzodiazepines are drugs widely used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. The present study has analysed the prescriptions of this class of drugs among sailing seafarers, to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed therapies.

Materials and methods: This study assessed the benzodiazepine prescriptions made by Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM) doctors from 2011 to 2015. A total of 17,844 medical records were examined. Analysis considered the prescriptions of benzodiazepines in monotherapy, or in association with other drugs. Diagnoses of pathologies for which benzodiazepines were prescribed were made according to the ICD-10 classification system proposed by the World Health Organisation.

Results: Among medical records analysed, benzodiazepines were prescribed in 765 cases (3.29% of total cases assisted by CIRM). Benzodiazepines were prescribed as a single-drug treatment in 626 (81.83%) cases, whereas in 139 cases they were associated with other classes of drugs. In case of opioids prescribed in association with benzodiazepines, the drug used was codeine. This therapeutic association was prescribed in cases of severe pain.

Conclusions: Although the “off label” use of benzodiazepines is not uncommon in medical practice, clear evidence indicates their potential side effects for human health. In this respect, medical professionals should comply with international guidelines on the use of benzodiazepines, both when prescribed as a single drug or in combination with other classes of drugs. These recommendations should be considered seriously in case of limited medical facilities such as on board of sailing ships.  

Get Citation

Keywords

drug safety, benzodiazepine, drug interactions, ship pharmacy, occupational health

About this article
Title

Benzodiazepine prescriptions on merchant ships without a doctor on board: analysis from medical records of Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (CIRM)

Journal

International Maritime Health

Issue

Vol 69, No 1 (2018)

Article type

Original article

Pages

28-34

Published online

2018-03-28

Page views

1887

Article views/downloads

1335

DOI

10.5603/IMH.2018.0005

Pubmed

29611611

Bibliographic record

IMH 2018;69(1):28-34.

Keywords

drug safety
benzodiazepine
drug interactions
ship pharmacy
occupational health

Authors

Giulio Nittari
Graziano Pallotta
Marzio Di Canio
Enea Traini
Francesco Amenta

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