POLIFARMÁCIA EM IDOSOS: CONSEQUÊNCIAS DE POLIMORBIDADES.

The science define aging as a set of physiological, morphological, biochemical and emotional changes. The elderly are susceptible to diseases such as, for example, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and immunological diseases. The use of medication by the elderly happens in great quantity, giving name to polypharmacy, causing risks of adverse reactions, drug interactions and some symptoms, highlighting disturbances in cardiac and respiratory rhythms, hypotension or hypertension, gastrointestinal changes, abdominal pain, dizziness, sweating, allergies and cough. Through the Beers criterion, it is possible to analyze drug interactions, called severe, moderate and mild, and adverse reactions, which cause unintended harmful or undesirable effects. The role of the pharmacist ensures that the individual has access to the correct information on the use of medicines and their rational use, avoiding undue medication administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]