[Polypharmacy and drug interactions in elderly patients].

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Polypharmacy, defined as drug use exceeding medical necessity, is a growing concern, particularly in aging populations.
• Advanced age is the primary risk factor, with prevalence reaching 40% in individuals over 75 worldwide.
• Other contributing factors include cognitive impairment, lower socioeconomic status, and reliance on nursing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define polypharmacy and identify its associated risk factors.
• To highlight the prevalence and impact of polypharmacy in the elderly population.
• To discuss the implications of polypharmacy on healthcare outcomes, including hospitalizations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing data on polypharmacy definitions and prevalence.
• Analysis of risk factors associated with polypharmacy.
• Examination of drug-related issues, including side effects and interactions, especially concerning cardiovascular medications.

Main Results:

• Polypharmacy is prevalent globally, disproportionately affecting individuals over 75.
• Advanced age, cognitive decline, and socioeconomic factors significantly increase polypharmacy risk.
• Cardiovascular drugs are frequently implicated in adverse events due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in older adults.

Conclusions:

• Polypharmacy poses significant risks, including increased hospitalizations and adverse drug events, particularly in the elderly.
• Effective prevention strategies involve comprehensive patient/caregiver education and a focus on minimizing drug count and dosage.
• Further research is needed to standardize polypharmacy definitions and develop targeted interventions.