Polifarmácia em idosos

Abstract

The increased representation of the elderly is a global phenomenon that includes both developed and developing countries. Is attributed to the fact that combat infectious diseases, sanitation and improvements in living conditions, but also the control of chronic degenerative diseases. The changing demographics of the population is accompanied by profound epidemiological changes. Such changes are characterized by the predominance of chronic degenerative diseases in the elderly, which leads to increased health risk factors. From 60 years of age, polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use remain common problems, also in the practice of the Family Health Strategy. The objective of this study was to analyze the production of knowledge about the concepts of polypharmacy in the elderly, its causes, behavior and consequences, as well as the frequency and importance of correcting and preventing the population seen in clinical practice. We used a narrative literature review of scientific production from research in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), based on the SciELO, with the search terms "elderly", "polypharmacy" and "inappropriate." Was located twelve articles, five of which were excluded. Several strategies may help to improve prescribing in elderly patients and avoid the risks associated with drug therapy. The education of the patient by his physician, performed at each visit, is regarded as having a cost-effective.