DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH POLYPHARMACY: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Abstract
Any fluctuation from the intended beneficial effects of the drug results in drug related problems. The risk of development of drug related problems associated with polypharmacy increases with increase in age. Females are more vulnerable to these problems due to their lighter physique which can lead to ADRs. Polypharmacy can result in drug interactions, wastage of health budget, impaired quality of life of the patient, and confusion and mismanagement on the part of the physician. ADRs with polypharmacy in older age are more pronounced and effect badly the quality of life and cause drug related morbidities and mortalities. These also increase cost of therapy. The number of drugs is considerably more important in causing drug related problems as compared to age and gender. The number of drugs, doses used, drug related problems and total cost burden to patient can be reduced by pharmacist’s interventions. These interventions also increases patient’s adherence to therapy and improve quality of life
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