POLYPHARMACY IN THE AGED - PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Elderly patients use more medications than younger patients and the tr end of increasing drug use continues through 80 years of age. Studies conducted in a variety of settings have shown that patients over 65 ye ars of age use an average of 2 to 6 prescribed medications and 1 to 3. 4 nonprescribed medications. Success of pharmaceutical and medical res earch has resulted in an abundance of effective drugs to treat acute a nd chronic conditions. Most research resulting in the development and marketing of these medications has been directed at proving the effica cy and safety of single drug products. Little research has been direct ed to determine the safety and efficacy of combining multiple medicati ons to treat concurrent conditions in a single patient. It is known th at the use of multiple medications increases the risks of adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, and makes compliance with medicati on regimens more difficult. Numerous studies have been conducted to be tter understand factors that are associated with increased drug use in elderly people. Studies also have been conducted to identify interven tions that can improve drug treatment for the elderly, and reduce poly pharmacy. Multiple drug use is common in older people, and may give ri se to drug related problems. Methods to reduce the risks of polypharma cy include patient education, physician education, such as education a nd feedback systems, and regulatory intervention. Continual drug and d isease monitoring is essential.