Abstract
This paper aims to describe the profile of drug use and its association with the pathologies present among elderly attending a health service primary care. This was a cross-sectional population-based observational with a convenience sample, developed in Room Home for the Elderly, Health Center Paranoá - DF. Applied instrument identification variables, disease, use of medications and assessment of instrumental activities. The final sample consisted of 30 individuals, 76.6% (n = 23), average age 69, 83.3% (n = 25) with 1 degree incomplete. All had at least one chronic disease, among them hypertension was the most prevalent with 83.3% (n = 25). As for drugs of continuous use, 40% reported not knowing the name of the drug and 93.1% (n = 27) did not know the dosage in use, however everyone knew the hours that made use of medications. Among the classes of drugs most frequently met antihypertensives with 51.7% (n = 15), oral antidiabetic 24.13% (n = 7) and benzodiazepines, neuroleptics and antiepileptics with 13.3% (n = 4). As for the IADL, average 22 points, a reduction of functionality at least 5 activities for the nine evaluated. The lack of knowledge of the elderly in relation to the name of your medicine and dosage, may favor errors concerning the right name and the right dose by the elderly. There is a need for intensive observation and guidance to the elderly as well as their caregivers in order to facilitate effective adherence to treatment of their health problems.