Polypharmacy and the geriatric patient

The older adult population is increasing and with it, the risk of polypharmacy. Multiple physicians treating one patient, increasing comorbidities, and an increase in the variety of drugs available contribute to the adverse effects of polypharmacy on the elderly patient. Application of Beers criteri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inClinics in geriatric medicine Vol. 23; no. 2; p. 371
Main Authors Hayes, Bryan D, Klein-Schwartz, Wendy, Barrueto, Jr, Fermin
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.2007
Subjects
Aged
Anticoagulants - adverse effects
Cholinergic Antagonists - adverse effects
Drug Interactions
Drug Monitoring
Humans
Hypnotics and Sedatives - adverse effects
Long QT Syndrome - chemically induced
Polypharmacy
Warfarin - adverse effects
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Summary:The older adult population is increasing and with it, the risk of polypharmacy. Multiple physicians treating one patient, increasing comorbidities, and an increase in the variety of drugs available contribute to the adverse effects of polypharmacy on the elderly patient. Application of Beers criteria, appropriate therapeutic drug monitoring, and careful, periodic review of the patient's medication list will assist with preventing the sometimes lethal complications of polypharmacy.
ISSN:0749-0690
DOI:10.1016/j.cger.2007.01.002