Citation

Flores EK, Henry R, Stewart DW. South. Med. J. 2011; 104(2): 143-146.

Affiliation

From the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Southern Medical Association)

DOI

10.1097/SMJ.0b013e318200c1ec

PMID

21206419

Abstract

Falls are caused by many factors in older patients. Medications have been shown to be a risk factor for falls, and studies have shown that patients taking more than five total medications may have a two-fold increased risk of impaired balance. A more recent model suggests only medications with sedating and anticholinergic properties contribute significantly to physical impairment. The authors of this paper helped to develop a multidisciplinary clinic to evaluate the risk of falls in at-risk patients. We present the case of a woman on multiple medications that increased her risk of falling. Of note, this patient was taking a total of 14 prescription medications, seven of which were considered sedating. Based on a comprehensive medication evaluation, six specific changes were recommended to improve this patient's medication regimen and reduce her risk of falling.

Language: en