Introduction: Falls are among the most common causes of injury in older adults. In addition to physical consequences, such as fractures, they can also lead to a loss of confidence, reduced independence, and fear of movement. One of the most significant risk factors for falls is the use of medications, which older adults frequently take due to chronic conditions. Some medications can affect balance, blood pressure, or alertness, which may increase the likelihood of falling. Purpose: The aim of this research was to identify which medications are most frequently associated with falls in older adults. Additionally, we wanted to examine how healthcare professionals can contribute to reducing this risk through their knowledge and counseling, and help promote safer use of medications. Methods: In this thesis, we conducted a review of scientific literature. Articles were searched in the MEDLINE, CINAHL Ultimate and ScienceDirect databases. We applied specific criteria, such as participant age, language, and access to full-text articles. We included 15 articles published after 2010 that addressed the effects of commonly prescribed medications on falls in people aged 65 and over. Results: We found that antidepressants, antihypertensives, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, diuretics, and opioids are frequently associated with an increased risk of falls. The risk is even higher when a person is taking multiple medications at the same time. Deprescribing is reducing the number of medications proved to be an effective approach to lowering fall risk, particularly when healthcare professionals are involved in the process. Discussion and conclusion: Our findings are consistent with previous research. It is important that healthcare professionals not only focus on treatment itself but also consider how patients take medications and the environments in which they live. Regular medication reviews and communication with patients can significantly contribute to improved safety. We believe that more thoughtful medication use, regular risk assessment, and support from healthcare professionals can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Further research and public awareness may contribute to improving quality of life in old age.
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