A Pharmacist Perspective on Optimizing Pharmacotherapy among Older Adults – A Review

Abstract

Multimorbidity and the associated consumption of multiple medications are common among the older population, posing a significant health concern. This leads to an increased incidence of side effects, adverse drug reactions, and higher healthcare costs for the individual, their family, and the country’s overall healthcare expenditure. Older adults experience complications due to the natural aging process and polypharmacy. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variables of medications play a crucial role in their recovery and overall health. While many studies have highlighted the rising incidence of multimorbidity among older adults, they often overlook the importance of optimizing medication therapy to reduce complications, side effects, adverse drug reactions, falls, and improve medication adherence. This narrative review focuses on the impact of polypharmacy on older adults, age-related pharmacokinetic changes, pharmacodynamics in this population, and various methods to optimize pharmacotherapy. The findings of this review aim to provide healthcare providers with a better understanding of how to optimize pharmacotherapies and reduce drug-related complications in older adults.