Heightened Risks of Polypharmacy in Older People - SOD

Course overview

While many prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may have few side effects when taken alone, the risks of an adverse drug event increases when a person is taking several different medications at the same time. These risks are even greater for older adults due to their decreased kidney and liver function as well as changes in body composition. This course reviews the risks of polypharmacy in older adults. Examples are provided of the different types of drug interactions, followed by examples of potentially inappropriate medications for older patients as stated in the Beers Criteria. Case studies are shared for interprofessional clinicians of various disciplines to include patient decline in function, nutrition, cognition, balance, and other signs and symptoms resulting from polypharmacy.