Medication Errors in Aging Adults: A Case-Based Approach to Medication Management

Abstract

Medication errors and adverse drug events can lead to emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions, and incomplete medication histories can lead to the use of potentially inappropriate medications in elderly patients. Physiologic changes in geriatric patients impact medication response and must be considered during prescribing. Elderly patients are at higher risk for adverse drug events from multiple classes of medications, including CNS depressants and anticoagulants. Practical approaches to preventing medication errors in the elderly include obtaining accurate medication histories, recognizing high-risk medications, which should be avoided, and involving a pharmacist in the care of geriatric patients.