Deprescribing in older people

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Pharmacology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Polypharmacy and multimorbidity are increasing healthcare challenges.
• The quantity of medications is a primary risk factor for adverse drug events.
• Deprescribing offers a strategy to manage polypharmacy and mitigate negative health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting deprescribing interventions.
• To provide practical guidance for medication review and discontinuation decisions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of international evidence-based guidelines.
• Analysis of strategies for high-risk medication discontinuation.
• Exploration of alternative medical and non-pharmacological management options.

Main Results:

• Emerging international guidelines support deprescribing.
• Evidence supports discontinuing high-risk medications.
• Non-pharmacological and alternative medical approaches are viable.

Conclusions:

• Deprescribing is a crucial approach for managing complex medication regimens.
• Pragmatic decision-making frameworks are needed for effective medication review.