This article explores the issue of polypharmacy in older adults. The physiological changes in organ function in older people and the effect of this on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics are discussed. The risks of adverse drug reactions and adverse drug interactions linked to polypharmacy are explored. Strategies to achieve optimal prescribing in older people are considered.
Nursing Standard. 25, 38, 49-55. doi: 10.7748/ns2011.05.25.38.49.c8533
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
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