Silent Dangers in Elderly Pharmacotherapy: The Interplay of Polypharmacy, Multimorbidity, and Drug Interactions

Pharmacological therapy in older persons is inherently complex due to the interplay of age-related physiological changes, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy. These factors increase the vulnerability of elderly patients to drug interactions and adverse drug reactions.

This review aims to examine the mechanisms, causes, and consequences of drug interactions in older persons, and to highlight strategies to optimise pharmacological therapy in this population.

A narrative review of current literature was conducted, focusing on studies that address age-related pharmacological changes, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and drug-drug interactions in elderly patients.

Findings from the literature indicate that drug interactions represent one of the most preventable medical errors in older persons' pharmacotherapy. The global scale of this problem highlights the need for increased awareness and collaborative approaches among healthcare providers.

Improving the quality of pharmacotherapy in older adults requires a concerted effort to prevent drug interactions, optimise prescribing practices, and ensure patient safety. Collaborative interventions can reduce adverse drug events and enhance therapeutic outcomes in elderly care.