Potential drug interactions and inappropriate medications prescribed for primary health care users

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze potential pharmacological interactions and drugs potentially inappropriate for the elderly in users of primary care of the Unified Health System. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with individuals aged 18 years or over, who were approached at the health facilities of the city of Divinópolis, MG, at which time a home visit was scheduled. A structured questionnaire on drug use was applied and drug interactions were analyzed in Drugs.com® sources, Micromedex®, bulletin of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA). Only the frequencies of serious interactions were analyzed. Potentially inappropriate drugs for elderly people (MPI) were identified by the Beers Criterion (2015) and the Brazilian Consensus on Potentially Inappropriate Medications for the Elderly (2016). The Mann-Whitney test was performed to compare the medians of the analyzed variables. Results: Among the study participants, 55% were elderly. Comparing them with the adult population, it was observed that the number of medications and potential drug interactions were significantly higher (p <0.05) among patients 60 years of age or older. Considering only the elderly, 77.3% used at least one MPI, according to the Beers Criterion. Conclusion: It was found that the vast majority of primary care users use at least one inappropriate drug and, when compared to adults, are more exposed to polypharmacy and potential drug interactions.