Benzodiazepines are drugs that may cause risks to the elderly. The purpose of this study was to verify and analyze the prevalence of the use of benzodiazepines among elderly patients enrolled in a Family Health Strategy in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. This descriptive study was performed with 27 elderly individuals, from May to July 2010, using a semi-structured questionnaire. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results show that most participants were between 71 and 75 years old (25.92%), female (88.88%) and had incomplete primary education (66.66%). The most common drugs were: Diazepam (37.03%), Clonazepam (25.92%), Bromazepam (18.51%) and Alprazolam (11.11%). Of all participants, 88.90% had prescriptions for their medication and 11.10% did not. Among those with prescriptions, 33.33% did not comply with recommendations. There is a need to reorganize the working process at the studied institution to promote an adaptation of the prescriptions and a more effective compliance.
Medication systems; Drug Utilization; Aged
