Nursing and Polypharmacy

As the population in the United States continues to age, there has been an increase in the number of older adults, those at least 65 years of age, with complex medical conditions and chronic illnesses resulting in the need for multiple medications. Multiple medications may be appropriate for older adults however, without proper oversight and guidance, polypharmacy, and/or the use of potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs), may result in serious adverse outcomes and even mortality. Polypharmacy is defined as the regular use of five or more medications, which include those that are prescribed and nonprescribed, vitamins, herbal, or dietary supplements, and includes the presence of the risk of at least one serious drug interaction. Excessive polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of ten or more medications. Polypharmacy is widespread among older adults and is associated with increased utilization of potentially inappropriate medications that include medications that may be ineffective, or of minimal benefit, and medications that can potentially interfere with desired health outcomes and contribute to medication related harm.