According to research, what is the most common cause of adverse drug reactions in seniors?

The primary reason the number of drugs taken is identified as the most common cause of adverse drug reactions in seniors is due to the phenomenon known as polypharmacy. Seniors frequently manage multiple chronic conditions, which can lead to the prescription of several medications simultaneously. Each additional medication increases the risk of interactions between drugs, which can exacerbate side effects or create new health issues. Furthermore, older adults may have different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, meaning that their bodies may process medications differently than younger adults.

While advanced age can contribute to a higher risk of adverse drug reactions, it is the complexity associated with polypharmacy that significantly raises the likelihood of these reactions. Mislabeling of medicine bottles and failure to take medicine as prescribed are also important concerns but are secondary to the inherent risks that come with managing multiple medications concurrently. Therefore, understanding and addressing polypharmacy is crucial in reducing the incidence of adverse drug reactions among seniors.