Characteristics of Participants by Number of Coexisting Chronic Condition Pairs (N = 5,815).

aThe number of pairs of the 14 most common coexisting chronic conditions experienced by the MCBS cohort for which there is at least one prescription medication recommended by the national specialty organization for most individuals with the conditions. Those with zero condition pairs had only one of the 14 chronic conditions.bPrescription medications given a GRADE A or B or equivalent level of recommendations by the national specialty organization guideline for one or more of the 14 chronic conditions. All medications recommended by a guideline are included if evidence grading not included in the guideline. Prescription medications used by at least 2% of study participants are included. For example, fibrates, nicotinic acid, and bile sequestrants are mentioned in guidelines for hyperlipidemia but the prevalence of use was low. Nonprescription medications (e.g. aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, H2 receptor antagonists) were not available.cAmong the 2353 beta-blocker users, 1807 used a selective beta-blocker, 267 used a nonselective beta-blocker, and 279 used an alpha/beta-blocker.dProton pump inhibitors are likely underestimated because does not include over the counter.eAmong the 1375 calcium channel blocker users, 1142 used a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and 233 used a nondihydropyridine (primarily diltiazem; verapamil was used by