Types of Medication-related Problems

Medication-related problems are defined broadly as any potential negative outcomes of medications, regardless of presentation or cause. The following recognized categories¹⁰ are listed here with examples applicable to the older adult:

• Untreated Conditions

• Unnecessary Medication

• Improper Medication

• Under- or Overdosage

• Adverse Drug Reaction

• Medication Nonadherence

• Food and Drug Interactions

¹⁰ Cipolle, R.J., Morley, P.C., and Strand, L.M. (1998) Pharmaceutical Care Practice. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.