Multipharmacy on the Older Adult

Abstract

The use of medications in the elderly is a complex issue influenced by many health- and non-health-related factors. Drug therapy is one of the most important tools available for preserving and improving health. However, polypharmacy and the inappropriate use of medications can imply adverse effects and situations of vulnerability that trigger many negative health outcomes: reduced adherence, increased risk of hospitalization, nursing home admissions, adverse drug events (ADEs), emergency department (ED) visits, poor quality of life, and mortality.