Abstract
Hungary is characterized by an ageing society. The majority of healthcare is used by the elderly. Hospitalization is frequently required due to iatrogenesis, caused by drug toxicity and adverse interactions. Polypharmacy can augment these problems. The purpose of my research is to assess the frequency and harmful effects of polypharmacy in an elderly inpatient care unit. In addition to the survey results, during the research, which was conducted in an inpatient department, I collected data on regularly taken medications, the established diagnoses as well as the results of kidney function test. Informed consent was obtained from each patient. According to the research, it was proven that among geriatric patients, polypharmacy is an important contributor to their potential risk. The more diseases a person suffers from, the more medications he or she must take, so more drug interactions must be expected. Therefore, it is extremely important to regularly reconsider databases concerning drug interactions. To improve patient safety, the "unit-dose system" provides great help concerning inpatients, which also includes the automatic monitoring of interactions. With the help of all this, the development of complications, hospitalization and mortality can be reduced. Decreasing iatrogenicity not only improves the patient's quality of life but also lowers the burden on the healthcare system.