Over-prescribimg by doctors

It was not surprising to read that a million patients are getting repeat prescriptions for tranquillisers when they should not be - that way they get hooked and can't get off them again.  Ever since my mother died, leaving so many medicines unused I have worried about this counterproductive wastage.  I was prescribed an anti-biotic and taken off it for another when it seemed to me there had been not enough time ( much less than 24 hours) for it to have a chance to have an effect.  Recently an old friend (93) who was obviously - to herself, to her nephew, to me, to the nurses - very near to death was told that she was to have another anti-biotic.  She couldn't see well, hear properly, walk, digest, control her own bodily functions, but was very clear in her mind.  She just wanted to be allowed to die in peace.  She said she did not want it.  A more senior doctor came in and persuaded her that she must try it.  Too weary to argue, she consented and it was administered, and she died 4 hours later.  Surely geriatric specialists should recognise when death is near and when nothing can help any longer, and is, anyway, just not wanted.  I have tried to get this doctor to explain his actions but have not been able to.  He said that if she had been confused her Living Will could have been consulted and she could have been allowed to die.  Since she was not confused, she could not refuse the medication.  Pure Alice in Wonderland thinking!  Is this sort of action common?   If so, no wonder the NHS is short of funds.