Potentially Inappropriate Medications and Polypharmacy

One cross-sectional study conducted by Anrys and colleagues published in JAMDA has reported that the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications was 88.3% among nursing home residents aged ≥65 years. The definition of potentially inappropriate medications is the use of a drug where a clinical indication does not exist or the use of an indicated drug in conditions where the risk outweighs the benefit. Anrys and colleagues also reported that polypharmacy (use of 5 or more drugs) was significantly associated with potentially inappropriate medications. Polypharmacy in older people has been found to be associated with increased risk of morbidities and mortalities. ^{,  ,}  To date, there is no definite cutoff number for defining polypharmacy. According to Masnoon and colleagues' review, the use of 5 or more drugs daily is the most commonly reported definition for polypharmacy in older people. Anrys and colleagues emphasize that interventions for potentially inappropriate medications should target older people taking at least 10 drugs. In order to reduce polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications in older people, clinicians should review the indications for drugs prescribed among those people taking 5 or more drugs during every clinical visit. If the indication does not exist, this drug should not be prescribed again. Therefore, medication safety in older people can be improved.