Medication issues in older individuals with CKD

Area of Science:

• Geriatric pharmacoepidemiology
• Nephrology
• Public Health

Background:

• Older US adults experience high rates of chronic disease and polypharmacy, averaging five medications daily.
• Over 20% of older adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), often with co-occurring conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
• Individuals with CKD are at increased risk for adverse drug events and polypharmacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the risks and benefits of medication use in older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• To utilize geriatric pharmacoepidemiology as a framework for understanding medication management in CKD patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on medication use in the CKD population within the context of geriatric pharmacoepidemiology.
• Analysis of risks and benefits of prescribed and non-prescription medications.

Main Results:

• Patients with CKD may experience substantial benefits from prescribed medications.
• High-risk profile for adverse drug events and polypharmacy in older adults with CKD.
• Medication management in CKD requires careful consideration of individual patient factors and comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Effective medication management is crucial for older adults with CKD to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse events.
• Geriatric pharmacoepidemiology provides a valuable framework for addressing medication challenges in the CKD population.
• Further research is needed to optimize pharmacotherapy and reduce polypharmacy burden in elderly individuals with impaired kidney function.