Chloroquine and hydroxichloroquine: potentially inappropriate medications for older people? (in Portuguese)

Abstract

Introduction: Potentially inappropriate medications for older persons (PIM) cause more adverse effects than benefits. The Beers AGS 2019 Criteria (CB2019) considered five clinical situations as PIM. Can an analysis of medications for these clinical situations assist in prescribing the elderly? Looking for a practical example of this issue, we opted for the analysis of drugs currently questioned about safe use in older persons. Objective: To verify if Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine fit as PIM and if this analysis is clinically applicable. Methods: Systematizing the objective by the five clinical situations defined as PIM by CB2019. Results: Both fill four (Chloroquine) and five (Hydroxychloroquine) respectively from these clinical situations. This analysis allowed the probable definition of PIM for these drugs in a simple way through a brief analysis of accessible literature. Conclusion: Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine can be considered PIM. It is expected to replicate this analysis for other medications and to reduce iatrogenesis.