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Consequences of Polypharmacy in Older Adults: A Narrative Review
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Razieh Bandari   , Mahsa Tebyanian |
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Abstract: (280 Views) |
Introduction: Polypharmacy, as in using multiple medications simultaneously, has become increasingly more common in older patients. Even though pharmacotherapy is essential for managing multiple concurrent chronic conditions, the potential consequences of polypharmacy warrant careful consideration.This paper aims to discuss the consequences of polypharmacy in older adults.
Search Method: For this narrative review, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Proquest, and Age Line databases have been used to search articles relating to the consequences of polypharmacy in older adults. We limited our search to articles published in English between 2010 and 2022. A total of 500 materials were initially identified to be relevant for the review but at the end, only 30 articles were found to match the inclusion criteria.
Results: This narrative review examines the multifaceted consequences of polypharmacy in older adults, encompassing adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, medication non-adherence, cognitive impairment, falls and fractures, and overall quality of life. The aim is to raise awareness among healthcare providers about the importance of optimizing medication regimens to mitigate these effects.
Conclusion: Polypharmacy in older adults has a broad spectrum of consequences; impacting individual patients, healthcare systems, and society. Recognizing and mitigating the risks associated with polypharmacy is vital for optimizing medication use and promoting healthier aging. This review highlights the importance of a patient-centered approach, regular medication reviews, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that medication regimens align with the goals and preferences of older adults and underscores the need for healthcare providers to critically assess and optimize medication regimens in older adults to mitigate the consequences of polypharmacy. By adopting evidence-based strategies, healthcare professionals can enhance medication safety, improve therapeutic outcomes, and enhance older adults' overall well-being and quality of life.
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| Keywords: Polypharmacy, elderly, older adults, narrative review, consequences |
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Full-Text [PDF 245 kb]
(41 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2023/11/20 | Accepted: 2023/08/23 | Published: 2023/08/23
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