[Interaction of prescribed drugs in a population over 65 years of age].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence and the types of drug to drug interactions in a population 65 years and over and to identify the factors associated to the occurrence of interactions.


METHODS
Cross sectional study ("Aging in Leganés"), a community survey.


METHODS
Community level. Leganés (Madrid).


METHODS
People 65 years and over (n = 1284, response rate 83%).


RESULTS
Information on use of health services and medication use was collected through home interviews. Drugs were classified by its active components and into therapeutic categories. Drug to drug interactions were identified using Hansten's classification. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were carried out to identify factors associated to the frequency of interactions.


RESULTS
The prevalence of drug to drug interactions was estimated as 13.6%. Interactions of clinical significance occurred in 9.9% of the population 65 and over. Hypertension, diabetes, Parkinson and cardiovascular diseases are significatively associated to interactions. The number of visits to the specialists was a risk factor (OR = 2.1 for those with five or more visits), after controlling for specific chronic conditions. Contacts with primary care, age and sex of the elderly were not associated to the frequency of interactions.


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency of interactions is associated to preventable factors. Improvements in the communication between specialists and primary care and cooperation with pharmacists could result in better monitoring of medication use in the elderly.
Recalde
J M
JM
Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada.
Zunzunegui
M V
MV
Béland
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019338:Polypharmacy
Interacciones entre medicamentos prescritos en la población mayor de 65 años.