When someone over 65 takes five or more medications, that’s not just common—it’s a medication review for older adults, a structured process to evaluate all drugs a senior is taking to reduce risks like side effects, interactions, and unnecessary prescriptions. Also known as drug reconciliation, it’s not a one-time checkup but an ongoing safety net for people managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis.
Most older adults don’t realize how easily pills can clash. A drug interaction, when two or more medications affect each other’s performance or increase side effects can turn a harmless pill into a danger. For example, mixing blood thinners with certain painkillers can cause internal bleeding. Or, taking a sedative with an antihistamine might lead to falls. These aren’t rare mistakes—they happen daily because doctors focus on one condition at a time, and patients forget to mention what they’re taking. That’s why a medication review for older adults, a structured process to evaluate all drugs a senior is taking to reduce risks like side effects, interactions, and unnecessary prescriptions must include every pill, patch, supplement, and even over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen or sleep aids.
Another big risk is how the body changes with age. kidney function in seniors, the declining ability of kidneys to filter drugs from the bloodstream as people age means many medications stick around longer than they should. A dose that was fine at 50 can become toxic at 75. That’s why doctors need to check eGFR equations, calculations used to estimate how well kidneys are working based on age, sex, and blood creatinine levels before prescribing. And it’s not just kidneys—liver processing slows down too. That’s why a good review looks at lab history, not just the prescription list.
It’s not just about removing drugs—it’s about simplifying. Many seniors take the same medicine in two forms: a brand and a generic, or two similar pills for the same condition. One post shows how polypharmacy—taking five or more drugs—doubles the chance of hospitalization. Another explains how a simple lab calendar helps track blood tests for drugs like warfarin or lithium. And yes, even supplements like ginkgo or fish oil can interfere with heart meds. A full review catches these hidden risks.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides that show how to spot these problems before they cause harm. From how to read your own lab results to understanding why certain antibiotics are riskier for seniors, these posts give you the tools to ask the right questions. No fluff. No jargon. Just clear, actionable info from people who’ve seen what happens when medication reviews are skipped.
Many seniors take too many medications that no longer help-and may be harming them. Learn when to stop, how deprescribing works, and what to ask your doctor to improve safety and quality of life.
