Medication therapy management in hospitalized elderly patients: A focus on OTC agents

Despite the widespread use of OTC medications, many patients and healthcare professionals are not fully aware of the potential adverse events associated with these products. OTC agents can be associated with potential adverse effects upon multiple organ systems and numerous laboratory results. Elderly patients are more susceptible to adverse drug events compared to the general population. Many patients and healthcare providers also fail to add OTC drugs to their official medication list. It is critical that pharmacists recognize these concerns and identify appropriate monitoring parameters when completing a comprehensive medication therapy review that includes OTC products with each hospital admission.