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Polypharmacy occurs when a patient takes too many medications for their own good. It is most common among seniors and individuals with multiple medical conditions. Since older people metabolize drugs differently, the combined effects of numerous medications can be especially harmful.
How many prescription drugs does the average 70 year old take?
Researchers estimate that 25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.
Why is taking multiple medications a problem for the elderly?
Elderly people are at a greater risk for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) because of the metabolic changes and reduced drug clearance associated with ageing; this risk is furthermore exacerbated by increasing the number of drugs used. Potential of drug-drug interactions is further increased by use of multiple drugs.
What is the result of seniors consuming numerous medications?
Care of the Geriatric Patient Regardless, polypharmacy puts the elderly at increased risk for multiple adverse outcomes, including adverse drug reactions, falls, hospitalizations, nursing home placement, malnutrition, pneumonia, and death.
What is the most common medication problem in the elderly?
Warfarin is one of the most common causes of medication-related hospitalizations in older adults. To reduce the risk of serious problems, one may need to apply extra care in monitoring warfarin effect (via the prothrombin blood test) and extra care in checking for interactions when a new drug is prescribed.
How many drugs does the average senior take a day?
Research shows that the average older adult takes four or more prescription drugs each day, but a whopping 39 percent of seniors take five or more prescriptions each day. While each one was created to treat or manage a specific medical problem, each also comes with its own risks and side effects.
At what age do our bodies generally begin to decline?
While scientists have found mental decline occurs in our 40s, our organs start declining much earlier. Most bodily functions peak shortly before age 30 and then start going downhill.
Why seniors taking many medications do not always take their medications?
Cost: seniors do not fill or refill medications because they can not afford the enormous cost. Some stretch their medications by splitting pills or taking half doses. Fear: Seniors may be afraid to take their medications because of potential side effects.
Is it OK to take multiple medications at once?
There are several risks when taking multiple medicines. You may be more likely to have side effects. Because most medicines can have side effects, the more medicines you take, the more likely you will have side effects. Taking certain medicines can also increase the risk for falls.
What happens when you take too many medications?
The more medications you are taking, the higher the risk of those drugs interacting dangerously with each other. Multiple medications can cause confusion, lightheadedness and even internal bleeding — all dangerous and injurious conditions.
How medications affect the elderly?
Common side effects of medicines in older adults can be dizziness and falls, weight loss or weight gain, and changes in memory or our ability to think and process information. These, in turn, can cause older adults to get hurt and may ultimately lessen their ability to function in day-to-day life.
Which medicines should not be taken together?
5 Over-the-Counter Medicines You Should Never Take Together Dangerous duo: Tylenol and multi-symptom cold medicines. Dangerous duo: Any combo of ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Dangerous duo: Antihistamines and motion-sickness medications. Dangerous duo: Anti-diarrheal medicine and calcium supplements. Dangerous duo: St.
What are the symptoms of being overmedicated?
The Signs and Symptoms of Overmedication Fatigue and energy depletion. Pressure in the abdomen. Aches and pains in the body. Problems with balance and motor skills. Fatalities and falls. Rashes and flushing of the skin on a regular basis. Weight gain or loss that is not clarified.
What percent of the elderly are on medication?
Nearly nine in ten (89%) adults 65 and older report they are currently taking any prescription medicine. This compares to three-fourths of 50-64 year olds who report taking prescription drugs, half (51%) of 30-49 year olds, and four in ten (38%) 18-29 year olds.
Why are older adults at high risk for medication related problems?
The elderly population is at great risk for medication-related problems as a result of age-related physiological changes, the presence of multiple chronic diseases and conditions, and the types and numbers of prescription and nonprescription medications they consume.
Which of the following medications should you avoid using in older adults?
AVOID Certain Anticholinergic Drugs Antidepressants amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil) Anti-Parkinson drug trihexyphenidyl (Artane) Irritable bowel syndrome drug dicyclomine (Bentyl).
What percent of the elderly population regularly take multiple prescription drugs?
Among survey respondents, 75 percent of take a prescription medication on a regular basis, with an even higher percentage for those ages 65 and older. Of these, over 80 percent take at least two prescription drugs and over 50 percent take four or more.
What percentage of 60 year olds are on medication?
Older adults can live stronger, longer by carefully following their doctor’s and pharmacist’s instructions regarding medications. People age 65 and older make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, but account for 34 percent of all prescription medication use and 30 percent of all over-the-counter medication use.
What drugs do seniors take?
Below are the top 10 medications prescribed to elderly Americans. Hydrocodone. Hydrocodone, which is often blended with acetaminophen, is a pain medication often sold under the brand names Lorcet, Norco, and Vicodin. Simvastatin. Lisinopril. Levothyroxine. Amlodipine Besylate. Omeprazole. Azithromycin. Metformin.
What are the seven signs of aging?
The seven signs of ageing Fine lines and wrinkles. Fine lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles are the most evident and often most concern-causing signs of ageing for men and women. Dullness of skin. Uneven skin tone. Dry skin. Blotchiness and age spots. Rough skin texture. Visible pores.
At what age does your face change most?
The biggest changes typically occur when people are in their 40s and 50s, but they can begin as early as the mid-30s and continue into old age. Even when your muscles are in top working order, they contribute to facial aging with repetitive motions that etch lines in your skin.
What happens to your body when you turn 80?
What’s happening With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density, weakening them and making them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength, endurance and flexibility — factors that can affect your coordination, stability and balance.
