Volume 23, May 2016, Pages 46–51
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- b Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- c Department of Biostatistics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- d Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
- Received 4 March 2016, Accepted 16 March 2016, Available online 18 March 2016
Abstract
Objectives
To
determine the prevalence and documentation of the use of herbal
remedies by individuals aged ≥65 years and to evaluate possible adverse
reactions and herb–drug interactions.
Method
Using
a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 1418
participants (age range 65–95 years) via interview-based questionnaires.
Results
The
prevalence of herbal use among older adults was 30% (n = 426); 64%
(n = 274) used more than one prescription medication, and polyherbacy
was reported by 47.5% (n = 202) of participants. Some participants used
herbal products that are known to interfere with conventional drugs used
to treat chronic diseases, such as cardiac glycosides, diuretics,
anticoagulants, antidiabetics, anticonvulsants, and monoamine oxidase
inhibitors.
Conclusion
To
ensure good patient care, it is important that healthcare professionals
are aware of possible health complications associated with the
concomitant use of herbs and medications.
Keywords
- Herbal products;
- Herb–drug interactions;
- Adverse drug reactions;
- Elderly
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