Vnitr Lek 2016, 62(Suppl 3):135-139

Polypharmacy viewed not only through the prism of multi-morbidity, but also as an independent geriatric syndrome

Pavel Weber^*, Hana Meluzínová, Dana Prudius, Katarína Bielaková

Klinika interní, geriatrie a praktického lékařství LF MU a FN Brno, pracoviště Bohunice

Polypharmacy is common in the elderly, especially in the late age (over 75 years). Usually it is closely related to the geriatric multi-morbidity. The authors highlight the medication used in the anticipated positive and potential negative potential. While physicians often must make difficult trade-offs between the guidelines on one hand and complicated multi-morbidity, on the other hand, while trying to avoid polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs), especially excessive polypharmacy (≥ 10 drugs). Multimorbid elderly patients who are treated in accordance with guidelines typically use large amounts of medicaments. This polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. The authors point out the pitfalls of performance of large clinical studies and EBM on one side and the daily clinical practice at the risk of their indiscriminate application, albeit with good intentions to improve the health of seniors.

Keywords: evidence based medicine; geriatrisation of medicine; multi-morbidity; old age; polypharmacy; prescription; randomized clinical trials

Received: June 12, 2016; Accepted: July 17, 2016; Published: June 1, 2016  Show citation