title: Polypharmacy and the geriatric patient.
abstract: The older adult population is increasing and with it, the risk of polypharmacy. Multiple physicians treating one patient, increasing comorbidities, and an increase in the variety of drugs available contribute to the adverse effects of polypharmacy on the elderly patient. Application of Beers criteria, appropriate therapeutic drug monitoring, and careful, periodic review of the patient's medication list will assist with preventing the sometimes lethal complications of polypharmacy.
authors.affiliation: Maryland Poison Center, University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, 220 Arch Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
authors.forename: Bryan D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Klein-Schwartz
authors.forename: Fermin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barrueto
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced; D019338:Polypharmacy; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D014859:Warfarin