Pharmakotherapie und Polymedikation beim geriatrischen Patienten

Dental care for aged persons is complex due to age-related physiological changes and diseases as well as the resulting polypharmacy. Above all, geriatric patients have an increased risk of adverse drug events. Thorough medication history taking and medication reconciliation are mandatory to adjust dental and surgery-related medications to these circumstances. Renal function and diseases that increase treatment-related risks, either per se or due to their pharmacotherapy, are of special interest. Among the treatment-related risks are those that derive from drug interactions. It is often difficult to survey the overall effects of drug interactions, especially in patients with polypharmacy (i.e., long-term use of ≥ 5 systemic medications). When in doubt, solutions should be discussed and consensus sought with the patients GP or medical specialists.