Evaluation of pharmacotherapy used in residents of a Long Stay Institution for the Elderly
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23925/2176-901X.2016v19i3p113-133Keywords:
Elderly, Drug interactions, Polypharmacy.Abstract
The phenomenon of drug interactions is today one of the most important issues related to the consumption of drugs. Concomitant use of drugs especially among the elderly is the main factor involved in mutual interference reactions of pharmacological and toxicological actions and may result in numerous side effects and even potentially dangerous. This study aims to analyze prescriptions for residents in a long term care facility for seniors, using as methodology the pharmacotherapeutic evaluation of prescription drugs, describing the prevalent interactions, possible adverse reactions and improperly prescribed drugs for this population. The data obtained after the completion of this study can be considered worrying, since 91% of prescriptions had at least one drug interaction. Transform the practice of consecutive errors about the requirements is a difficult task, but not impossible, that requires commitment and training for professionals involved in health promotion and disease prevention.
Keywords: Elderly; Drug interactions; Polypharmacy.