USE OF OMEPRAZOL: DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF ELDERLY PATIENTS FROM A FAMILY HEALTH UNIT (FHU) OF RIBEIRÃO PRETO, SP, BRASIL

Abstract

The first proton pump inhibitor (PPI) marketed worldwide was omeprazole. It is widely prescribed in Brazilian Primary Health Care nowadays. Studies indicate that long-term use may be related to significant adverse effects on the quality of life of the patient. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical profile of elderly patients using omeprazole in a Family Health Unit (FHU). A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed where was evaluated patients containing prescription for omeprazole from doctors of the FHU. One hundred elderly patients were included in the study. Thirty-five patients were omeprazole users, 10 of whom were male and 25, female. A dose of 20 mg daily was found in 68.6% of the users, 91.4% had a prescription for more than twelve months, and 51.4% had no described the reason of the use of omeprazole, 17.1% had stomach pain as a justification for their use. Omeprazole may be prescribed without a clear indication of its use and for prolonged periods contributing to the inappropriate use of this drug.