Improving medication outcomes in older people

Abstract

Older people are at risk of adverse medication events due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing. Polypharmacy also contributes to increased non-compliance, a major problem associated with drug therapy. It is important to understand the magnitude of the problem and the factors responsible for adverse medication events. Effective strategies to address issues of poly-pharmacy, inappropriate prescribing and medication non-compliance are discussed. The multidisciplinary approach, involving the prescriber and the pharmacist, appears to be an essential component in improving medication outcomes in older people.