SOUZA, Dominiquy Kelly Neves De.
Abstract:
Polypharmacotherapy in elderly people is characterized by the use of several
medicines to treat different health conditions simultaneously. However,
can represent risks and complications related to interactions, errors in
medication and difficulty with adherence, among others. In this context, it is associated with
significant increase in iatrogenic risks and expenses, but this is not always
considered inappropriate for the patient, as long as it is managed correctly and
individualized. The present work aimed to investigate the prevalence and
factors associated with polypharmacy among the elderly. A review of the literature on the
integrative type, searching for articles in national and international databases:
Electronic Library Online (SciElo) and Virtual Health Library (VHL) between June
2023 and September 2023, published in the last 10 years. 23 were included
articles, which highlighted the approach to the prevalence and associated factors of
polypharmacotherapy among the elderly. Highlighting the female sex among older people
affected. The main comorbidities being: systemic arterial hypertension,
diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, among others and highlighting the main
medications associated with polypharmacy, such as: hydrochlorothiazide, losartan,
simvastatin, metformin and acetylsalicylic acid. This reinforces the reflection of
develop strategies to raise awareness about the appropriate use of various
simultaneous medications, when necessary for the elderly patient, but in a
to prevent health problems.
