Inappropriate Medications May Increase Hospitalization Risk

Older adults who were on inappropriate medication had a 16% increased risk of hospitalization.

The study followed more than one million adults for over a decade. Under a theoretical scenario with zero exposures to potentially inappropriate medications, 27,444 (1.7%) fewer hospitalizations would have occurred.

‘Exposure to inappropriate medications in the elderly is associated with negative health outcomes.’

Dr. Vittorio Maio, senior author said, "Our robust study results corroborate existing evidence that exposure to inappropriate medications in the elderly is associated with negative health outcomes. As such, reducing inappropriate medication use in this vulnerable population is of paramount importance.

Reducing unnecessary medicines can enhance the quality of life and decrease the cost of hospitalizations.

Source: Eurekalert