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.
