The most frequently prescribed medications in the elderly and their impact on dental treatment.

The high prevalence of multiple chronic medical conditions in the elderly and the likelihood of multiple drug therapies dramatically increase the chance of drug-specific adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. This article reviews the age-associated alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics along with the most frequently prescribed medications for the elderly. Adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions and oral side effects are reviewed along with the impact these medications may have on dental treatment planning and management.