Polypharmacy

Question 1

What is poly pharmacy?

Answer 1

Taking >4 medications

Question 2

Which part of the processing of drugs does CYP450 occur in

Answer 2

Liver phase 2 metabolism

Question 3

Absorption changes as you age

Answer 3

• Decreased acid secretion
• Decreased GI motility and BM
• Increased mucosal atrophy
• Decreased drug transport

Question 4

Distribution changes as you age

Answer 4

• Increased body fat and reduced muscle mass

- Decreased cardiac output

Question 5

Metabolism changes as you age

Answer 5

• Decreased hepatic blood flow
• Decreased enzyme activity
• Drug interactions

Question 6

prescribing cascade

Answer 6

• Pt given one medication
• Pt experiences adverse reactions
• Rather than review medication, pt given another medication
• Cycle continues

Question 7

Consequences of poly pharmacy

Answer 7

• Pill burden
• Pt confusion
• Poor concordance
• Drug interactions
• Increased ADRs

Question 8

why do patients stop taking medications?

Answer 8

• Intentional - no motivation, lack of understanding, ADRs, worries
• Unintentional - forgetfulness, practical difficulties

Question 9

orphan drug

Answer 9

A drug seemingly without a causative disease

Question 10

Orphan disease

Answer 10

A disease with no treatment

Question 11

Common drugs causing problems in elderly

Answer 11

Anti- drugs

e.g. convulsants, depressants etc