Navigating Polypharmacy: Tools and Deprescribing in Older Adults

This narrative review consolidates the definitions, screening tools, and deprescribing frameworks pharmacists need to manage polypharmacy in geriatric patients.

📅 Journal publication: Jul-Aug 2026 · Last updated: Oct 12, 2026

polypharmacydeprescribingBeers CriteriaSTOPP/STARTpotentially inappropriate medicationsanticholinergicsgeriatric pharmacyclinical decision supportunderprescribingnarrative review Geriatrics / Geriatric Pharmacy

Background Information

Polypharmacy risks are significant in older adults, requiring strategic interventions.

Polypharmacy in older adults can lead to serious adverse effects, increasing the risk of hospital admissions and cognitive decline. The study highlights management tools such as deprescribing protocols and electronic decision support to reduce polypharmacy. While the study discusses strategies, its utility in daily practice needs further evidence for widespread implementation. Manage polypharmacy in older adults to prevent adverse outcomes using criterion-based tools.

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Authors: Ohiokpehai J, Toledo-Franco L, Gammack JK

Citation: Ohiokpehai J, Toledo-Franco L, Gammack JK Pills and Perils: Navigating Polypharmacy in Older Adults. Missouri medicine. 2026;123(4):351-357.

Article Links: PubMed · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

Controversies & Evidence Gaps

Cost & Logistics

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