Potential interactions of central nervous system drugs used in the elderly population
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-82502009000200006Keywords:
Elderly, Drug-Drug interactions, Central nervous system, Tobacco, EthanolAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of CNS drugs and to identify the most frequently observed potential drug interactions in the elderly living in Southern Brazil. METHODS: A population-based, transversal and observational study was carried out during 2006-2007. Four hundred and eighty elderly individuals of both genders were randomly recruited and interviewed. A validated pharmacotherapeutic questionnaire and the Micromedex® Healthcare Series were utilized to analyze potential drug interactions. A severity rating scale employing the categories of "mild", "moderate" and "severe" was used to describe the interactions. RESULTS: A population of elderly living in Southern Brazil was interviewed and 98 reported using CNS drugs, 74.5% female and 25.5% male. Out of these patients, 32.0% reported severe or moderate pharmacological interactions related to the use of other drugs. Alprazolam and imipramine were reported to potentially interact with tobacco. Twenty potential moderate drug/ethanol interactions were found. The potential drug/caffeine interactions were classified as mild on the severity scale. CONCLUSION: Elderly being prescribed drugs that act on the CNS should be closely monitored, and furthermore, should be warned against potential drug-drug, drug-ethanol, and drug-tobacco interactions.Downloads
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Published
2009-06-01
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Original Papers
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How to Cite
Potential interactions of central nervous system drugs used in the elderly population . (2009). Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 45(2), 227-234. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-82502009000200006