Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025

Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
Standard drug consumption: a study with elderly people in Primary Health Care
Josefa Muriele da Silva Marinho1, Karyne Beatriz Almeida de Medeiros1, Romário Nóbrega Santos Fonseca1
1Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Santa Cruz, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion

