What is one likely consequence of polypharmacy in elderly patients?

The likelihood of an increased risk of drug interactions as a consequence of polypharmacy in elderly patients is well-supported in pharmacotherapeutics. Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications, which is common in older adults due to the prevalence of chronic diseases and multiple comorbidities. As the number of medications increases, so too does the complexity of their interactions.

Elderly patients often have altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics due to age-related physiological changes, such as decreased liver and kidney function. This makes it crucial for prescribers to closely monitor not only the efficacy of each medication but also how they might interact with one another. The potential for adverse drug reactions and interactions can lead to diminished therapeutic effectiveness or even harmful effects, which can complicate the clinical picture and worsen the patient's overall health status.

In contrast, the other options reflect outcomes that are typically not associated with polypharmacy. For instance, polypharmacy does not generally lead to reduced medication costs; in fact, it can increase costs due to the need for more medications and potential hospitalizations resulting from adverse effects. Improved health outcomes are more likely when medication regimens are streamlined rather than when patients are taking multiple medications that could interact negatively. Simplified treatment