Polypharmacy, adverse drug reactions, and geriatric syndromes.

The elderly are at risk for polypharmacy, which is associated with significant consequences such as adverse effects, medication nonadherence, drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, and increased risk of geriatric syndromes. Providers should evaluate all existing medications at each patient visit for appropriateness and weigh the risks and benefits of starting new medications to minimize polypharmacy.