What does careful prescribing in elderly patients aim to address?

Careful prescribing in elderly patients specifically aims to address the likelihood of polypharmacy and altered pharmacokinetics. Elderly patients often have multiple comorbidities, which can lead to the prescription of multiple medications. This practice, known as polypharmacy, increases the risk of adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and non-adherence to prescribed therapies.

Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion may change with age due to physiological alterations such as decreased renal and hepatic function. Recognizing these factors is essential for optimizing medication therapy in older adults, ensuring that treatments are both safe and effective. Thus, careful prescribing considers these complexities to minimize risks and enhance therapeutic outcomes for elderly patients.