Inappropriate Prescribing for Elderly Americans in a Large Outpatient Population

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Abstract
Persons 65 years or older make up less than 15% of the US population but account for nearly one third of prescription drug consumption.1 Elderly persons are more likely to have more than 1 chronic disease or condition, further increasing the likelihood that they take several drugs concurrently.2 Most prescription drugs, when dosed and taken appropriately, have considerable potential to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve functioning. The potential benefits must be weighed, however, against the substantial risk of adverse effects that increases with age.3-5 The increased risk reflects changes in metabolism and excretion that occur with aging and is compounded by the number of prescription drugs taken.6