Polypharmacy Flashcards
Polypharmacy definition
> 5 medicines simultaneously
When can overprescribing happen?
better alternative available but not given
condition changes and medication not appropriate anymore
patient no longer needs medication, but continues to be prescribed it
transfer of care
reflex prescribing
lack of shared decision making
What tools can be used to help polypharmacy in OPM?
STOPP/START
ACB calculator
What antibiotics can be given for aspiration pneumonia?
amoxicillin + metronidazole + gentamicin
48h IV then consider oral
How long should a patient be on dalteparin post #NOF?
28 days
What medication information is important to include on a discharge letter?
what drugs stopped/started and why
suggested monitoring eg. BP
analgesia review
dalteparin delivery (if appropriate eg. post NOF# surgery
What is anticholinergic burden?
increased risk of confusion when multiple anti-cholinergics are used together
Side effects of anti-cholinergics
dry mouth
constipation
dizziness
