Special attention should be given to older patients by prescribers owing to the increased concomitant risks of chronic disease, polypharmacy and frailty in this population. As a result, they are at increased risk of side effects, drug interactions, and therefore, harm from drug treatment. Consequently, it is important to ensure that older patients have their medicines reviewed regularly to avoid excessive, inappropriate or inadequate medication. This is particularly important for patients taking long-term anticholinergics.