[Use of anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic drugs by the elderly: a survey in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil].
Concern over the harmful effects of drug use by the elderly has motivated studies aimed at identifying problems in such utilization. This was a household survey with retirees aged > 60 years living in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in 2003, who reported having a diagnosis of diabetes and/or hypertension. Quality of anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic medication was measured by redundancy, combinations of drugs, and inappropriate drugs. Among 283 elderly patients (89%) with self-reported hypertension and use of anti-hypertensive pharmacotherapy, 68.2% were using diuretics and 37.8% ACE inhibitors. Among the 22 (64.7%) self-reported diabetic patients under pharmacotherapy, 45.5% were using insulin and 77.3% oral anti-diabetic agents. Among the 89 self-reported diabetic and hypertensive patients, 80 (90%) were using anti-hypertensive drugs and 51 (57.3%) anti-diabetic agents. The study revealed the use of dose combinations, redundant use, and inappropriate medicines, thus indicating the need to monitor treatment protocols and improve healthcare for elderly patients.
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil. monicagontijo@hotmail.com
Mônica de Fátima
Mde F
Gontijo
Andréia Queiroz
AQ
Ribeiro
Carlos Henrique
CH
Klein
Suely
S
Rozenfeld
Francisco de Assis
Fde A
Acurcio
D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001938:Brazil; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents