Atenção farmacêutica em idosos polimedicados

Abstract

Population aging has led to significant changes in the epidemiological profile of society, characterized by an increased prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases and, consequently, the continuous use of multiple medications. In this context, polypharmacy, defined as the simultaneous use of five or more medications, has become a common condition among older adults and is associated with risks such as drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, intoxications, falls, hospitalizations, and reduced treatment adherence. Given this reality, pharmaceutical care has emerged as a fundamental strategy to promote the rational and safe use of medications. This study aimed to analyze the importance of pharmaceutical care in medication among older adults with polypharmacy through an exploratory literature review. The research was conducted using the SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from 2017 to 2026. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nineteen studies were selected for the review. The findings demonstrated that pharmacists play a crucial role through medication review, identification of drug-related problems, pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, health education, and deprescribing practices. These interventions significantly contribute to reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy and promoting a better quality of life for older adults.