Analysis of requests for tablets adapted for critical patients of a university hospital

Abstract

Objective: Analyze requests for tablets adapted to the service of Pharmacotechnique of the Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes (HUOL), order to assess its necessity, appropriateness, cost and propose economically viable solutions that will ensure the effectiveness and safety of treatment. Methods: Study cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive, wherein was revised all requests for adaptations of tablets, sent to the laboratory pharmacotechnique of HUOL in the period from January 1 to December 31, 2012. Results: From the 2,462 requests, 57 drugs were identified, totaling 6,565 tablets crushed. Of total adaptations, 59.65% (34/57), were considered appropriate, because it was simple pills, without significant interaction with food and no teratogenic potential for the handler. Adaptations inadequate represented 40.35% (23/57), which included coated tablets or extended release, teratogenic drugs, with clinically significant interactions with food or medicines classified as high surveillance. The adaptations were considered necessary in 80.70% (46/57) of cases, the majority being justified by the unavailability of liquid formulations in the Brazilian market. Conclusion: Despite the lack of net presentations, some adjustments could be replaced by standardizing an liquid dosage form existing, providing, in addition to the economic advantages, more safety for patients using probe. The pharmacist is the professional indicated to assess the suitability of these adaptations and propose solutions to procedure the safest and economical.