Combating Polypharmacy Through Deprescribing Potentially Inappropriate Medications

Polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications, is becoming increasingly prevalent in older adults throughout the United States. Deprescribing, along with the use of existing tools, such as the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria, can help guide health care providers in reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy such as side effects and drug interactions. The framework of deprescribing and the use of existing guidelines and resources are valuable in guiding health care providers in addressing polypharmacy.