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Health Outcomes Associated with Polypharmacy in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2014 · Vol. 62(12) · pp. 2261–2272

Terri R. Fried✉(Yale University)John R. O’Leary(Yale University)Virginia Towle(Yale University)Mary K. Goldstein(Stanford University)Mark Trentalange(Yale University)Deanna K. Martin(VA Connecticut Healthcare System)

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Abstract

Data are mixed regarding the relationship between polypharmacy, considered in terms of number of medications, and adverse outcomes in community-dwelling older persons. Because of the challenge of confounding, randomized controlled trials of medication discontinuation may provide more-definitive evidence regarding this relationship than observational studies can provide.

Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life Chronic Disease Management StrategiesMedicinePolypharmacyGerontologyGeriatricsMEDLINEBeers CriteriaOlder peopleIntensive care medicinePsychiatry

MeSH terms

Accidental FallsAgedAged, 80 and overChronic DiseaseHumansRisk FactorsGeriatric AssessmentComorbidityPolypharmacyPrescription DrugsDrug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions