IMPROVING MEDICATION SAFETYIN OLDER ADULTS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF POLYPHARMACY

Abstract

Geriatric polypharmacy, commonly defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, has emerged as a major healthcare challenge due to the increasing prevalence of multiple chronic diseases among older adults. The growing complexity of medication regimens places elderly patients at a higher risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug–drug interactions, medication errors, non-adherence, functional decline, falls, and frequent hospitalizations. Age-related physiological changes affecting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion further increase the likelihood of medication-related complications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the prevalence, causes, risk factors, and clinical consequences of polypharmacy in the geriatric population. It also discusses the importance of identifying potentially inappropriate medications using validated screening tools such as the Beers Criteria and STOP/START criteria. In addition, the review highlights evidence-based strategies including regular medication review, deprescribing, individualized treatment planning, patient education, and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize medication therapy. The role of clinical pharmacists in medication reconciliation, identifying drug-related problems, and promoting rational prescribing is also emphasized. Implementing patient-centered medication management strategies can significantly improve medication safety, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the overall quality of life of older adults.