Abstract:
This study was carried out in a Long-Term Institution for the Elderly (ILPI), located inthe Triângulo Mineiro, between October 23 and November 24 2023. The objective was
to analyze the consumption of psychotropic drugs among elderly residents there, in
addition to collecting sociodemographic data and information on polypharmacy, aimed
at subsidizing the implementation of a pharmaceutical care service focused on
pharmacotherapy and problems related to medicines. For this purpose, an
observational, cross-sectional and quantitative study was carried out, focused on the
analysis of sociodemographic data, length of residence and use of medications, with
special attention to psychotropic drugs. The results indicated an average age of
residents of 78 years, with a male prevalence and a predominant age range between
70 and 79 years. There was a high incidence of polypharmacy, with the majority of
elderly people using five or more medications, with an average of seven per elderly
person. Psychotropics were widely used, representing 41% of medications, with
neuroleptics being the most common, followed by benzodiazepines and
antidepressants. This trend is concerning due to the potential adverse effects and risks
associated with its prolonged use, especially in a vulnerable elderly population. The
pharmacist’s monitoring approach to pharmaceutical care in the treatment of the
elderly, with the implementation of monitoring strategies and periodic review of drug
therapy, aims to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of treatment and promote the
well-being of elderly people living in ILPIs.
