Top 10 adverse drug events to watch out for among seniors

A recent Monash University study has pinpointed the top ten signs that may indicate adverse reactions to psychotropic medications in elderly residents of long-term care facilities.

These medications, commonly used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and insomnia, can often cause harmful side effects in older patients.

The international consensus study, led by researchers from the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS) at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), involved geriatricians, psychiatrists, clinical pharmacologists, general practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, and carers from 13 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America.

The top ten signs to watch for are:

1. Recent falls
2. Daytime drowsiness or sleepiness
3. Abnormal movements
4. Confusion or disorientation
5. Balance problems
6. Dizziness
7. Postural hypotension (i.e. dizziness caused by low blood pressure when standing up)
8. Reduced self-care
9. Restlessness
10. Dry mouth

Brigid McInerney, the study’s lead author, said that these signs can significantly impact residents’ quality of life and are observable by nurses and care workers. “Medication safety is a national health priority area – and residents of aged care facilities are at high risk of experiencing medication-related harm. Our findings will empower nurses and aged care workers to identify when residents are experiencing side-effects.”

The research aligns with Australia’s new Clinical Practice Guidelines for psychotropic medication use in dementia patients and aged care residents. These guidelines recommend implementing structured monitoring protocols for residents using antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, or antidepressants.

To facilitate this monitoring, CMUS researchers have developed an adverse event monitoring tool based on their findings. This tool aims to help care staff detect adverse events early and prevent further medication-related harm.

The study’s findings contribute to broader efforts to improve medication safety in aged care, including the recent release of the national Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard.

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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