O USO IRRACIONAL DE FITOTERÁPICOS POR IDOSOS E SUAS INTERAÇÕES COM MEDICAMENTOS DE USO CONTÍNUO

Abstract

Herbal medicines are part of a complementary therapy modality, being an alternative to health needs. Its use has been increasing among the elderly population in several countries. However, when used abusively, they can cause drug interactions and adverse reactions. A literature review was carried out, with the aim of investigating data on some of the herbal medicines most used by the elderly population, as well as their interactions with continuous use medications. Such investigation is necessary considering that many herbal medicines can enhance or reduce the effects of allopathic medicines. A broad bibliographical search was carried out in the following databases: SciELO, Google Scholar and CAPES periodical portal, establishing atime frame of the last 15 years. It is concluded that the use of herbal medicines by the elderly can be an effective adjunct to pharmacological treatment, as long as it is not carried out irrationally, without guidance from a pharmaceutical professional. Therefore, pharmaceutical care is the best strategy to prevent and resolve possible negative results associated with the use of herbal medicines, thus avoiding the emergence of new health problems.