Introduction: Polypharmacy, which uses multiple medications to treat chronic illnesses, is common among elderly patients. However, it can lead to drug interactions, especially with gastrointestinal (GI) medicines that are extensively used. These drug interactions can have severe consequences and pose a significant challenge to healthcare providers. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the underlying mechanisms of these interactions and develop strategies to minimize medication errors.
Areas covered: We analyzed databases on GI illnesses common in older adults, including GERD, peptic ulcer disease, IBS, IBD, constipation, and diarrhea. Our research identified noteworthy drug interactions and utilized major electronic databases such as USFDA, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar until 15 May 202315 May 2023, along with a review of reference lists.
Expert opinion: Aging can affect how the body processes drugs, leading to an increased risk of drug interactions. Therefore, healthcare professionals must carefully evaluate a patient's medical history and health condition to design personalized treatment plans.
Keywords: Chronic constipation; diarrhea; drug interaction; elderly; gastrointestinal; geriatrics; medication error; polypharmacy.