Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Adults in Dental Practice

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to review the medications frequently prescribed in dental practice that are potentially inappropriate for the elderly population due to the risks presented. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out, based on the Guidance Manual: Prescription and Dispensing of Medicines Used in Dentistry, which reports the main drugs prescribed in dental practice (2017). From this, medications described in the Beers list of the American Society of Geriatrics (2019) were extracted, in order to identify medications that are potentially inappropriate in the elderly, what are the main consequences of use and appropriate management in view of the need for prescription. Results: The prescription and dispensing guidance manual for medicines used in dentistry has a list of 142 medicines, containing anti-inflammatories, antibacterials, opioids, benzodiazepines and other types of drugs. Of the drugs listed, 27 are considered inadequate and the most common therapeutic class among the drugs was anti-inflammatory drugs, being equivalent to 44.5% of the inadequacies found. Conclusion: Despite the risks associated with medications, it appears that they are widely prescribed in dental practice, making these groups worthy of special attention due to their potential for serious adverse events and negative impacts on the elderly and the health system, in addition to to emphasize the importance of the professional regarding the best indications and pharmacotherapeutic follow-up by the clinical pharmacist in caring for the elderly.