Polypharmacy and drug interactions in elderly patients

Although the definition of polypharmacy is not yet clear today, it is generally regarded as drug use more than the patient needs. Advanced age is the most important risk factor for polypharmacy. In addition, other risk factors are loss of current cognitive functions, low socioeconomic level and nursing care. It is seen in about 40% of people over 75 years of age worldwide, varying between countries of extreme poverty. Incorrect drug use, drug side effects and drug-drug interaction lead to unwanted hospitalizations. In particular, cardiovascular drugs pose risks in terms of drug side effects in advanced ages. Altering the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug along with advanced age lead to more frequent side effects or no effect of the drugs. The most important point to prevent polypharmacy is to inform the patient or the patient’s caregiver fully and to target treatment with a minimum number of drugs and doses.