Abstract
Objectives:
To describe the sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacotherapy characteristics of elderly persons with metabolic syndrome and to identify factors associated with drug interactions among these individuals.
Method:
A quantitative, analytical and transversal study was carried out among 263 elderly people with metabolic syndrome in the urban area of Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Possible drug interactions were identified and classified according to the Micromedex® DrugReax System. The chi-squared test and the multiple logistic regression model were used for analysis (p<0.05).
Results:
The majority of the individuals were female (70.7%); aged 60 to 74 years (72.3%); lived with a spouse/partner (63.9%); had some schooling (74.1%); an individual monthly income of ≤ one minimum wage (77.1%); lived with others (88.2%); had five or more morbidities (89.7%) and exhibited polypharmacy (73.0%); used potentially inappropriate medications (54.4%) and had possible drug interactions (75.3%). Associated with the possible presence of drug interactions were: age range (p=0.005), polypharmacy (p<0.001) and use of potentially inappropriate medications (p=0.006).
Conclusion:
Possible drug interactions were associated with increased age, polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications. This study contributes to knowledge of these possible interactions among elderly people with metabolic syndrome, and as such can be considered an important tool for planning actions to ensure the safety of these individuals who, due to the complexity of their treatment, use multiple medications.
Keywords:
Drug Interactions; Health of the Elderly; Metabolic Syndrome X; Drug Utilization.
