Too Many Tablets? Why Elderly Parents Need a Medicine Review
Is your parent taking five or more medicines? Learn how polypharmacy causes falls, confusion and low sugar, and what a physician's medicine review involves.
By Dr Sujith ChadalaMBBS, MD (General Medicine)
A common story
A 78-year-old sees a cardiologist for the heart, an orthopaedic doctor for the knees, a diabetes clinic for sugar and a local doctor for sleep. Each prescription makes sense on its own. Together, they add up to ten or twelve tablets a day — and the family notices that she is more unsteady, sleepy in the afternoons, and had a fall last month.
This pattern, called polypharmacy, is one of the most common and most fixable problems in older adults.
Why older bodies react differently
With age, the kidneys and liver clear medicines more slowly, body water falls and the brain becomes more sensitive to drugs. A dose that suited someone at 55 may be too strong at 80. Medicines can also interact, adding up their side effects.
Warning signs that a review is due
- Falls, dizziness or unsteadiness, especially on standing
- New confusion, forgetfulness or excessive sleepiness
- Low sugar episodes — sweating, shakiness or odd behaviour
- Constipation, poor appetite or weight loss
- After a hospital stay, when new medicines are often added
- Simply taking five or more medicines every day
What happens in a medicine review
- Brown-bag check: bring every strip, bottle, supplement, eye drop and inhaler — not just a list.
- One by one: for each medicine — why was it started, is it still needed, is the dose right for age and kidney function?
- Interactions: look for combinations that cause dizziness, bleeding, low sodium or low sugar.
- Targets for age: very tight sugar or BP control can cause falls; targets are adjusted for safety.
- A simpler plan: fewer tablets, fewer timings, and a written schedule the family can follow.
- Follow-up: changes are made gradually, with a check after a few weeks.
How families can help
- Keep one up-to-date medicine list and share it at every visit.
- Use a weekly pill organiser.
- Note new symptoms and when they started relative to any new medicine.
- Attend the consultation if possible — families often notice changes the patient does not mention.
Book a review
If your parent lives in or near Gachibowli, Kokapet, Kondapur or HITEC City, a single unhurried review can make daily life safer. Learn more about elderly care or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is polypharmacy?
Polypharmacy usually means regularly taking five or more medicines. It is common in older adults with several conditions and is not always wrong, but it increases the chance of side effects and interactions.
Should we bring supplements and ayurvedic medicines too?
Yes. Vitamins, supplements, herbal and ayurvedic products, eye drops and inhalers can all interact with prescription medicines and should be reviewed together.
Can my parent stop a medicine if they feel it is not needed?
Not without advice. Some medicines, such as those for blood pressure, heart rhythm, seizures or steroids, can cause harm if stopped suddenly. Changes should be made one at a time with a doctor.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult Dr Sujith Chadala or another qualified doctor about your specific situation. Created with AI assistance.