[Drug-related problems in the elderly]

Orv Hetil. 2012 Dec 9;153(49):1926-36. doi: 10.1556/OH.2012.29500.
[Article in Hungarian]

Abstract

The aging population in developed countries is a growing problem nowadays. The burden on healthcare is particularly high, since the prevalence of the diseases, especially chronic diseases increases with age. Prevalence of polypharmacy is common among elderly patients. While comorbidities require usage of several active agents with evidence based indication, polypharmacy increases the likelihood of interactions and adverse drug reactions, reduces patient compliance, affects quality of life and puts a significant financial burden on the patient and society. In order to reduce drug-related problems among the elderly, different lists of potentially inappropriate drugs and doses were created. One of the earliest known lists is the "Beers criteria". The use of listed drugs is risky and not recommended for elderly patients. Following foreign examples, a list was compiled and adapted to the Hungarian drug spectrum based on the main concerns and alternative therapeutic suggestions.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Chronic Disease*
  • Comorbidity*
  • Cost of Illness
  • Drug Interactions*
  • Drug Prescriptions / standards*
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / prevention & control*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Hungary
  • Medication Adherence
  • Polypharmacy*
  • Prescription Drugs / administration & dosage
  • Prescription Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Prescription Drugs