Abstract

SERRA URRA, Madelaine  and  GERMAN MELIZ, Jorge Luis. Characterization of older adults with multidrug consumption assessed by the geriatric service. Rev Cub Med Mil [online]. 2014, vol.43, n.3, pp. 285-292. ISSN 1561-3046.

Objective: to characterize the older adults with multidrug therapy. Methods: retrospective and descriptive research study. The sample was 261 older adults with multidrug therapies, who were attended to by the health area of "Carlos Manuel Portuondo" university polyclinics in Marianao municipality. The patients were evaluated at the geriatric service from March 2010 through April 2011. For consideration of multidrug therapy, the patient should take more than three drugs at the same time excluding vitamins and food supplements. Results: the study group presented with high index of multidrug consumption; the predominant age group was 60-64 years; females and elementary education level prevailed. The 60-69 years age group consumed 3 to 5 drugs. The most related diseases to multidrug therapy were cardiovascular illnesses. Most of the patients showed some limitations in their general functional status. Conclusions: given the predominance of multidrug therapy in older adults to treat cardiovascular disorders, it is necessary to develop new concepts on the clinical pharmacology of the old people in order to raise awareness and to allow the implementation of a rational drug use policy.

Keywords : older adult; multidrug therapy; functionality.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )