Perspective of pharmaceutical practice in adrenal insufficiency:

Abstract

This integrative review examines the role and perspectives of pharmaceutical practice in the management of adrenal insufficiency (AI)—a condition characterized by inadequate production of adrenal hormones requiring lifelong replacement therapy. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases including LILACS, PubMed (Medline), and SciELO, covering studies published between January 2007 and February 2021 and written in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. A total of 43 articles were selected for analysis.

The review identifies patient education as a cornerstone intervention in AI care, highlighting the importance of counselling on precipitating factors, recognition of symptoms, dose adjustments, drug interactions, and the use of condition identification cards to support self‑management. It also describes key clinical management interventions, such as hospital discharge planning, acute and chronic phase management, home care support, and routine outpatient follow‑up.

Overall, the authors conclude that effective pharmaceutical care in AI requires a patient‑centred approach within a multidisciplinary health team, and that pharmacists can contribute significantly through educational support and clinical interventions tailored to the specific needs of patients with adrenal insufficiency.