[Potential drug interactions in the treatment of elderly patients with multiple morbidity]

In 196 hospitalized geriatric patients, drug prescriptions were assessed for potential drug interactions. Potential drug interactions were identified in 5.4% of 2,177 prescriptions. The risk increased with the number of prescribed drugs. Antipsychotics, tranquilizers, hypnotics, diuretics, cardiac glycosides and centrally acting analgetics were involved in more than 70% of potential interactions. Risks of potential drug interactions can be reduced by a reduction in drugs prescribed.