Medicamentos Potencialmente Inapropriados: Um estudo no Programa Cidade do Idoso

Potentially Inappropriate Medications: A Study in the Elderly City Program

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging raises significant concerns for public health due to the substantial increase in chronic diseases. Given the severity of these conditions, older adults become more vulnerable to seeking healthcare services and, consequently, are more susceptible to the use of multiple medications and potential adverse effects resulting from polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Objective: To analyze the use of PIMs and the most commonly used drug classes among elderly participants in the Elderly City Program in the municipality of Chapecó, SC. Methodology: This is a quantitative study conducted with 141 elderly individuals of both sexes who had Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) or Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and participated in the Elderly City Program in the municipality of Chapecó, SC. Data collection was carried out using a self-administered instrument, with questions about sociodemographic profile and through the Beers-Fick and Priscus criteria. Results: The study included 141 elderly participants with a mean age of 72 years, 59.6% of whom were female. Women used a higher number of medications compared to men (p=0.071), and the most frequently used medication classes were those acting on the cardiovascular system. According to the Beers and Priscus criteria, the most commonly identified class was PIMs acting on the cardiovascular system. Conclusion: Women consumed more medications than men, particularly those acting on the cardiovascular system. The study identified the use of 28 different medications considered PIMs according to the Beers and Priscus criteria.