Drug-related problems risks in patients of a geriatric institution

Abstract

In geriatric patients, the use of medication frequently leads to the development of drug-related problems (DRP) and demands prevention strategies about morbidity and mortality related to medication. This observational study aims to evaluate the medical prescriptions and the presence of DRP risks in a geriatric institution. Two clinical pharmacists had evaluated medication regimen of 76 internal patients observing therapeutical duplicities, dose-related problems, inadequate medication and potential drug interactions. To the patients, were administrated in average 3 medications, mainly to cardiovascular system (36.4%) and central nervous system (47.8%). 13.5% of the used drugs (n=230) were considered inadequate with risks of DRP, mainly related to therapy safety. 69 drug interactions in 38 patients (51.3%), specially related to therapeutic effectiveness were identified. The results reinforce the importance of the evaluation of medication-use process. The data also shows the necessity of more complete studies about the evaluation of DRP risks in the geriatric population.