Polypharmacy in the Hospitalized Older Adult: Considerations for Safe and Effective Treatment.

Care for the hospitalized older adult is made more complex by polypharmacy that can increase the risks of adverse drug events. This article reviews polypharmacy in the hospitalized older adult from their admission to hospitalization and transition of care as well as highlighting principles to reduce polypharmacy and tools for deprescribing during hospitalization. We review common reasons for admission and how these conditions may be particularly affected by or contribute to polypharmacy in older adults.