Objective

To know, by analyzing the state of knowledge, the impact of the polypharmacy on the quality of life of older adults and the role of nursing when dealing with this health problem.

Materials and Methods

Descriptive review of 62 original articles with multiple methodological designs, in the databases EBSCO, PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, Elsevier, SCOPUS and Dialnet.

Results

Polypharmacy in older adults is more frequent in the female sex and people with low level of education, and is associated with socioeconomic factors. A large percentage of older adults present with prescription cascade due to the amount of drugs consumed and the number of doctors consulted, leading to pharmacological interactions that affect functionality and quality of life.

Conclusions

More control of drugs consumed by older adults is needed to avoid harmful effects. Nursing professionals should have an educational role in this age group to reduce polypharmacy and promote lifestyles that foster healthy ageing.