Polypharmacy in the Hospitalized Older Adult: Considerations for Safe and Effective Treatment

Analiese DiConti-Gibbs; Kimberly Y Chen; Charles Edward Coffey Jr

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2022.07.011

Polypharmacy in the Hospitalized Older Adult: Considerations for Safe and Effective Treatment

Clin Geriatr Med. 2022 Nov;38(4):667-684. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2022.07.011.

Authors

Analiese DiConti-Gibbs¹, Kimberly Y Chen², Charles Edward Coffey Jr³

Affiliations

¹ Division of Geriatrics, Hospital, Palliative, and General Internal Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, 2020 Zonal Ave, IRD 306, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Electronic address: Analiese.diconti-gibbs@med.usc.edu.
² Primary Care, Welbe Pacific/PACE, 50 Alessandro Place, A20, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA; LAC+USC/Keck School of Medicine Geriatric Fellowship, 2020 Zonal Ave, IRD 306, Los Angeles, CA, 90033.
³ LAC+USC Medical Center, Suite C2K100, Room 115, 2051 Marengo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Keck School of Medicine of USC, 1975 Zonal Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033.

PMID: 36210083
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2022.07.011

Abstract

Care for the hospitalized older adult is made more complex by polypharmacy that can increase the risks of adverse drug events. This article reviews polypharmacy in the hospitalized older adult from their admission to hospitalization and transition of care as well as highlighting principles to reduce polypharmacy and tools for deprescribing during hospitalization. We review common reasons for admission and how these conditions may be particularly affected by or contribute to polypharmacy in older adults.

Keywords: Comorbidity; Deprescribing; Geriatrics; Hospital; Polypharmacy.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Deprescriptions*
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions* / etiology
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions* / prevention & control
Hospitalization
Humans
Polypharmacy
Treatment Outcome