Table 1.

Risk factors and side effects of polypharmacy.

Risk factors of polypharmacy

Complications of polypharmacy

Patient-relatedBeing over the age of 62Multiple chronic diseasesMultiple symptomsCognitive ImpairmentDevelopmental impairmentFragilityMental health conditionsSelf-treatmentResidency in a long-term care facilityHealth system relatedKeeping a poor medical recordInsufficient number of primary care physicians to coordinate medicine treatmentMultiple prescriptionsPrescription cascadeInsufficient knowledge of the physician about medicine side effects and drug–drug interaction

Potentially inappropriate medicine useIncreased risk of adverse drug eventsDrug–drug interactionDrug-disease interactionIncreased burden on the health systemDecrease in doctor functionality and quality of careIncrease in costFall and/or hip fractureCognitive dysfunction and sedationIncrease in nursing home placementFragilityDeath