Standard drug consumption: a study with elderly people in Primary Health Care

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the pattern of medication consumption among the elderly assisted in Primary Health Care. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study, with a sample of 315 elderly people, in a city in rural Rio Grande do Norte. Results: The average age was 72.41 years, with an average consumption of 3.15 medications per day, ranging from 1 to 16 medications daily. There was a prevalence of antihypertensives, antidiabetics, hypolipidemic and psychotropic drugs. 238 different drugs were mentioned, 15 of which were “potentially inappropriate drugs” for the elderly. Most of these patients follow treatment according to medical prescription, with low self-medication. Most elderly people buy their drugs, although many are available for free. Conclusion: The most consumed drugs are consistent with the most reported diseases (hypertension and diabetes). The daily use of inappropriate medications for the elderly is worrying, especially psychotropics, given the risks of dependence or health complications of these users.