title: [Polypharmacy and drug prescription in the elderly. Strategies for optimization].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  When used appropriately, drugs are an effective and efficient intervention in the care of patients. However, elderly, multimorbid patients are especially prone to adverse side effects caused by the simultaneous intake of many drugs--this effect is called polypharmacy. Furthermore, adverse medical effects occur more frequently with elderly people compared to younger patients. This is due to age-specific metabolic changes and issues with compliance and adherence. Therefore, the indication for medication should be taken carefully and individually especially for elderly patients, in order to develop a realistic risk-benefit ratio, taking into consideration questions like quality of life and life expectancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this paper, the current medical care situation of elderly people is presented; problems are identified and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Supported by a selected literature search, recommendations for improving medication safety are summarized.
authors.affiliation: Forschungsgruppe Geriatrie der Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Ev. Geriatriezentrum Berlin, Reinickendorfer Str. 61, 13347, Berlin, Deutschland, rahel.eckardt@charite.de.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Eckardt
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Steinhagen-Thiessen
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kämpfe
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Buchmann
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing; D008017:Life Expectancy; D055118:Medication Adherence; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment