Polypharmacy and falls in older adults: Analysis of the influence of potentially inappropriate medications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i5.51149Keywords:
Polypharmacy, Aged, Accidental Falls, Inappropriate Prescribing, Patient Safety.Abstract
Polypharmacy represents an important public health challenge, especially among older adults, due to its association with adverse events, drug interactions, and increased risk of falls. This study aimed to analyze the influence of polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications on the occurrence of falls in older adults. This is an integrative literature review conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, and Web of Science databases, employing descriptors related to polypharmacy, older adults, and falls. After the selection process, 22 studies published between 2014 and 2023 were included. The results demonstrated a consistent association between polypharmacy and increased risk of falls, especially among older adults exposed to potentially inappropriate medications. Therapeutic review and deprescribing strategies showed potential to reduce clinical risks related to pharmacotherapy in older adults.
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