The Review on the Definition of Polypharmacy and Intervention to Reduce Polypharmacy for the Elderly
10.24304/kjcp.2025.35.3.131
- Author:
Sun Young LEE
1
;
Jungmi CHAE
;
Sang-Heon YOON
;
Dong-Sook KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Health Administration, Kongju National University, Gongju 32588, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
2025;35(3):131-139
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
ABSTRACT Background: Elderly patients with multimorbidity have a high prevalence of polypharmacy. Although negative consequences ofpolypharmacy have been reported, the definition of polypharmacy and inappropriate polypharmacy have not been established. The purpose of this study was to review the definition of polypharmacy and foreign countries’ interventions aimed at improving the ap-propriate use of polypharmacy in older people. We searched for relevant studies up to December 2024 using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and reports using Google. We also conducted web searches and literature reviews in Australia, the United Kingdom, and global organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). We found out that polypharmacy can refer to the prescribing ofmany drugs (appropriately) or too many drugs (inappropriately). Problematic polypharmacy was defined as ‘the prescribing of multiple [medicines] inappropriately, or where the intended benefit of the [medicines] is not realized’. Also, it is necessary to developguidance on inappropriate polypharmacy and intervention to improve drug-related problems due to polypharmacy among the elderly.
