Polypharmacy in the elderly

Polypharmacy is an area of concern for elderly because of several reasons. Elderly people are at a greater risk for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) because of the metabolic changes and reduced drug clearance associated with ageing; this risk is furthermore exacerbated by increasing the number of drugs used.

Author:
Rushabh J Dagli, Akanksha SharmaCited by:
Publish Year:
2014

What is polypharmacy in the elderly?

Polypharmacy is defined as increase in the number of medications or the use of more medications than are medically necessary. Polypharmacy is common in older ambulatory care, hospital, and nursing home patients. Polypharmacy increases the risk of numerous negative health consequences in the elderly .

How does polypharmacy affect the elderly?

The symptoms caused by polypharmacy is unfortunately usually demented with the normal aging signs and symptoms, which can be: Tiredness, sleepiness, or decreased alertness, constipation, diarrhea, or incontinence, loss of appetite, confusion, falls, depression or lack of interest in your usual activities, weakness,

What are the side effects of polypharmacy?

Possible symptoms of polypharmacy include: Loss of appetite. Falls. Confusion. Weakness. Tremors. Dizziness . Anxiety. Depression.

How many drugs is considered polypharmacy?

The most commonly reported definition of polypharmacy was the numerical definition of five or more medications daily (n = 51, 46.4% of articles), with definitions ranging from two or more to 11 or more medicines.

What is the most common adverse drug effect seen in the elderly?

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in older adults , with falls, orthostatic hypotension, delirium, renal failure, gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding being amongst the most common clinical manifestations.

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Is polypharmacy a geriatric syndrome?

Common geriatric syndromes include falls, cognitive impairment and delirium, depression, and polypharmacy ; these conditions are highly relevant for older adults with cancer. The presence of these conditions may influence overall ability to tolerate therapy as well as quality of life and potentially survival.

Why are elderly more sensitive to drugs?

4. Increased Sensitivity to Many Drugs : The problems of decreased body size, altered body composition ( more fat, less water), and decreased liver and kidney function cause many drugs to accumulate in older people’s bodies at dangerously higher levels and for longer times than in younger people.

Which drugs should be avoided in geriatric patients?

Drugs to Be Used With Caution in Older Adults (Based on the American Geriatrics Society 2015 Beers Criteria Update) Carbamazepine . Carboplatin . Cyclophosphamide. Cisplatin. Mirtazapine. Oxcarbazepine. Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Vincristine.

How can polypharmacy be prevented in older adults?

Conducting medication reconciliations at care transition, eliminating duplicate medications, assessing for drug-drug interactions, and reviewing dosages can reduce the incidence of polypharmacy , ensure patient safety, reduce hospitalizations, and decrease associated costs.

What are the most common drug interactions associated with polypharmacy?

Most commonly interacting drug combination was aspirin + enalapril (30.2%). Conclusion: A higher incidence of polypharmacy and increased risk of potential DDIs in elderly people with cardiovascular disease are major therapeutic issues at Yekatit 12 hospital.

How do you know you have polypharmacy?

Clinically, the criteria utilized for identifying polypharmacy involve the following: Taking medications that have no apparent indication. Using therapeutic equivalents to treat the same illness. Concurrent usage of interacting medications. Using an inappropriate dosage.

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How can older adults avoid polypharmacy What is the nurse’s role in preventing polypharmacy?

The primary-care provider and specialists must maintain good communication with each other to prevent or minimize problems. Advise patients to use only one pharmacy to obtain medications; this adds another level of review to help ensure appropriate dosage and reduce the risk of adverse drugs effects and interactions.

What is a drug to drug interaction?

Drug – drug interactions occur when two or more drugs react with each other. This drug – drug interaction may cause you to experience an unexpected side effect.

What factor is an important contribution to polypharmacy in older adults?

What factor is an important contribution to polypharmacy in older adults ? Polypharmacy is often the result of inadequate communication among specialists or between specialists and primary care providers.

Can polypharmacy be problematic?

It is also important not to forget that polypharmacy can be both appropriate and problematic . Achieving a suitable bal- ance, acceptable to the prescriber and the patient, is clinically challenging and requires an understanding of the patients’ views, and often needs compromise.

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