Safety and Effectiveness of Pharmacotherapy in Bariatric Patients: A Scoping Review

Authors

  • Roseli Serrão Tavares Universidade Federal do Pará
  • Orenzio Soler Universidade Federal do Pará
  • Valéria Regina Cavalcante dos Santos Universidade Federal do Pará

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-9432.2026v5n6p757-775

Keywords:

cirurgia bariátrica, farmacoterapia, farmacocinética, segurançado paciente

Abstract

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of severe obesity and its associated comorbidities, providing substantial metabolic and clinical benefits. However, the anatomical and physiological changes resulting from these procedures may significantly affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of several medications, compromising their effectiveness and safety. Therefore, understanding the available evidence regarding pharmacotherapy in bariatric patients is essential. This study aimed to map the scientific evidence on pharmacotherapy in patients undergoing bariatric surgery, considering pharmacokinetic changes, clinical effectiveness, medication safety, and drug-related problems. A scoping review was conducted according to the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and the Cochrane Library, including primary studies and reviews published from 2010 onwards. A total of 15 studies were included. The findings demonstrated significant changes in drug absorption, bioavailability, and metabolism after bariatric surgery, as well as a high frequency of drug-related problems and the need for individualized dose adjustments and pharmaceutical formulations. Narrative reviews predominated, and substantial methodological heterogeneity was identified, limiting the development of robust clinical recommendations. In conclusion, pharmacotherapy in bariatric patients remains an evolving field that requires individualized pharmacotherapeutic monitoring and multidisciplinary care. Further prospective clinical studies are needed to support evidence-based protocols and improve patient safety.

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References

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Published

2026-08-15

How to Cite

SERRÃO TAVARES, Roseli; SOLER, Orenzio; REGINA CAVALCANTE DOS SANTOS, Valéria. Safety and Effectiveness of Pharmacotherapy in Bariatric Patients: A Scoping Review. Periódicos Brasil. Pesquisa Científica, Macapá, Brasil, v. 5, n. 6, p. 757–775, 2026. DOI: 10.36557/2674-9432.2026v5n6p757-775. Disponível em: https://periodicosbrasil.emnuvens.com.br/revista/article/view/1350. Acesso em: 17 aug. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 6 (2026): Periódicos Brasil. Pesquisa Científica - QUALIS A3

Section

Ciências da Saúde

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Copyright (c) 2026 Roseli Serrão Tavares, Orenzio Soler, Valéria Regina Cavalcante dos Santos

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