Medication issues

Abstract

Older patients take more medications, fail to take medications as prescribed, and suffer harms from medications in high numbers. In prescribing medications, practitioners need to consider benefits/harms/interactions of any medication prescribed to an older patient. Dose reduction may be required due to reduced renal clearance. Adherence will be influenced by cost, method of delivery, and dosing intervals. During transitions of care from home to hospital or care facility, adequate communication is essential: changes in drug class due to formulary availability need to be specifically acknowledged. The medication plans of most older patients can be improved by active consultation with pharmacists.