Polypharmacy risks for elderly patients in Brazil

The use of five or more medications simultaneously, known as polypharmacy, is linked to increased risks of dizziness, confusion, and falls in elderly populations. While often necessary for managing chronic diseases, this condition increases the likelihood of adverse drug interactions, duplicate prescriptions, and difficulty adhering to correct dosages.

In Brazil, approximately 18% of elderly individuals use five or more medications, according to data from the Ministry of Health. Aging can alter how the body metabolizes and eliminates substances due to changes in kidney and liver functions, making careful monitoring essential, especially when multiple specialists provide prescriptions or when supplements and herbal medicines are added to the regimen.

Medical professionals warn that symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, fainting, loss of balance, nausea, and loss of appetite should be investigated, particularly if they coincide with the introduction of a new medication or a change in dosage.