The Effects of Polypharmacy in Older Adults

An assessment of the safety and efficacy of multiple medications in older adults requires clinically relevant objective outcomes and pharmacological measures of medication exposure. Important outcomes include geriatric syndromes and objective measures of physical function. Measurements of medication...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics 2009-01, Vol.85 (1), p.86-88
Main Authors: Hilmer, SN, Gnjidic, D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Drug Interactions
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Female
Geriatrics
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Mortality
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Polypharmacy
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Summary:An assessment of the safety and efficacy of multiple medications in older adults requires clinically relevant objective outcomes and pharmacological measures of medication exposure. Important outcomes include geriatric syndromes and objective measures of physical function. Measurements of medication exposure have evolved from merely counting the drugs to a consideration of pharmacologic principles such as drug class, dose response, and maximal effect. Emerging evidence regarding the effects of cumulative medication exposure on functions critical for independence may provide guidance for prescribers. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008); 85, 1, 86–88 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.224
ISSN:0009-9236
1532-6535
DOI:10.1038/clpt.2008.224