Potentially Inappropriate Medications: Concepts of Clinical Usage for the Family Physician

Abstract

Inappropriate prescription of drugs in the geriatric population is considered a public health problem; it is associated with a greater morbidity and mortality and an increase in the use of health care resources. It is estimated that up to 40% of the geriatric population residing in nursing homes receives one or more inappropriate medications as part of their regular medication. The Family Physician should evaluate more carefully the use of drugs and be alert to the risk of drug interactions.