Medication use by the elderly: analysis of prescribing, dispensing, and use in a medium-sized city in the state of São Paulo

Abstract Objective: To describe the prescribing, dispensing, use, adhesion, and storage of medicines to and by the elderly. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in Estratégia Saúde da Família (Family Health Strategy) health centers (ESF), in Marília in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, based on the records of and interviews with 114 individuals seven to ten days after a medical consultation. A descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: The mean number of prescribed drugs was 4.98 per elderly patient. Of the total number of prescribed drugs, 81.5% were supplied by public services, with the nutrient (50%); antilipemic (62.1%); analgesic (30.7%); dermo-protector (66.6%); herbal (40%) and parasite and antifungal (37.5%) classes dispensed the least. A total of 83.8% of the prescribed drugs were used, while the drugs dispensed at the lowest rates were not used by the elderly, except for analgesics. A total of 40.3% of the respondents exhibited low adherence. Most stored their medicines in a suitable place. Conclusion: The prescribing, dispensing, use and storage of medications to and by the elderly can be considered effective, but adherence remains low, requiring new strategies and interventions.