Análise do perfil sociodemográfico e de utilização de medicamentos de idosos atendidos em ambulatório universitário

It is estimated that by 2020 13.6% of the population will be elderly; these patients are usually affected by chronic diseases, becoming a priority in health care. The objective of this research was to characterize the sociodemographic and medication profile of 200 patients treated in a clinic of a private university in Sao Paulo. We analyzed records of patients attended by the university clinic from 2012 to 2016, authorized by the Ethics Committee with opinion No. 1.587.320. The drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC), and the Beers Criteria of the American Geriatrics Society of 2015 served as the basis for the classification of drugs inappropriate for the elderly. Regarding the sample, 70% of the population was female, the average age was 71 ± 8 years, 40.5% of the users did not complete elementary education or were illiterate. Thirty-six percent of polymedicated patients and more than half suffered from comorbidities were observed. The most used classes of drugs were inhibitors of the proton pump and benzodiazepines. It is pertinent in the researches the irrational use of omeprazole and the benzodiazepines are characterized as unsafe for the elderly according to the criteria of Beers. It concludes with this research the importance of analyzing the profile of the population served and consequently to offer more qualified services, as well as the relevant performance of the pharmacist regarding the rational use of drugs in the care of the older people.