Volume : 13, Issue : 04, April – 2026

Title:

POLYPHARMACY AND ITS IMPACT ON MORBIDITY IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Authors :

Yasmeen Mohammed Ibraheem Al-Mulhim, Latifah Mohammed Almulhim, Mohammed alsalim

Abstract :

Polypharmacy, commonly defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications, is highly prevalent among geriatric populations and represents a major global healthcare concern. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of polypharmacy on morbidity in older adults, including its association with adverse drug reactions (ADRs), hospitalizations, frailty, cognitive decline, and mortality-related morbidity. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Studies involving individuals aged ≥65 years and assessing the relationship between polypharmacy and morbidity outcomes were included.
A total of 18 studies met inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews. Findings consistently demonstrate that polypharmacy is associated with increased morbidity, particularly through higher rates of ADRs, falls, hospitalization, functional decline, and drug–drug interactions. Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), as defined by Beers and STOPP/START criteria, further exacerbate these risks. Interventions such as medication review, deprescribing, and multidisciplinary care have shown promise in reducing adverse outcomes.
In conclusion, polypharmacy significantly contributes to morbidity in geriatric patients. Optimizing medication use through evidence-based strategies is essential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare burden.

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press Yasmeen Mohammed Ibraheem Al-Mulhim et al., Polypharmacy And Its Impact On Morbidity In Geriatric Patients: A Systematic Review., Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(04).

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