NHS data shows that 1,000 elderly patients a day are admitted to hospital for emergency care because of a reaction to a drug they are taking. The figures come as a report warns that eight million people in the UK are at risk of side-effects because they take five or more drugs, and 2.2 million take 10 drugs a day, according to The Times.
Polypharmacy risks in older patients
By the age of 70, more than two-fifths of all patients in England are taking five or more drugs. Research has shown that someone who takes ten or more medicines is four times more likely to be admitted to hospital because of toxic interactions between medications.
Common side effects of combining the wrong drugs can include sudden drops in blood pressure, severe dizziness, or confusion. Jugdeep Dhesi, 56, president of the British Geriatrics Society, told The Times: “The more tablets that you take, the more likely there are interactions, and this can happen more the older you are.”
Specific drugs linked to dangerous interactions
Pills such as ramipril or amlodipine, taken for blood pressure, can lead to dangerous drops in blood pressure for older people. Water tablets, such as furosemide, sometimes prescribed to counter the swelling caused by blood pressure drugs, can make the risk of falls worse.
Painkillers such as ibuprofen are linked to as many as 30 per cent of hospital medicine reactions with other drugs. Medicines to control the bladder, gastrointestinal system and antihistamines can also have powerful combined effects.
New national plan for frail elderly care
A new national plan for the care of the frail elderly is due to be published in January. This will set standards for care of older people, including prescription of medication.
An NHS spokesperson said: “We know we need to do more to meet the needs of our ageing population better and that’s why we have made it clear to NHS organisations what the best interventions are to provide effective community support for frail people through new guidance, such as ensuring their care plans involve regular medication reviews so that only medicines that are clinically appropriate are prescribed.”
