Innovative Journal Journal of Medical Biomedical and Applied Sciences 1362-4962 x Behavior of elderly in use of drug therapy 1 geraldo mota de carvalho Journal Article Abstract Objectives: To identify which drugs are used by older adults, how these are taken and the treatment course, and to relate drugs used with medical prescription. Method: An exploratory, descriptive field study with a quantitative approach was conducted. A total of 25 elderly (aged > 60 years) residents of a Shelter Center who were users of medications with or without medical prescriptions were assessed. Research ethics guidelines were observed and the study approved under CEP/CAAE permit no. 99054818.0.0000.5479. Results and Discussion: The sample comprised 25 respondents, 80% males, 56% aged 60-69 years, and 52% with incomplete 1st grade education. Most participants (88%) had an income of one minimum salary and 20% were engaged in paid work. Overall, 100% of interviewees took anti-hypertensive agents and 80% used diuretics concomitantly; under half took medications at the prescribed times. Regarding expenditure on medications, 84% spent R$ 1.00-50.00, 68% had prescriptions for all medications, while only 52% took the correct dose. All cases of wrong drug dosages involved doses that were too high. For dispensing, 68% acquired medications from government-funded pharmacies. Drugs were taken appropriately by 76% of the elderly, while the remainder took drugs together with fluids or foods, potentially change their desired pharmacological action. Conclusions: The main drug groups taken were anti-hypertensives, diuretics, hypoglycemics and unprescribed analgesics. Drugs were taken improperly, favoring interactions and alteration in drug actions. Many participants took medications without medical prescription. With regard to course of treatment, there were cases of early treatment discontinuation (antibiotics). 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