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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Antibiotic therapy: what to consider when treating geriatric patients
1Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420.
Hospital Formulary
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Antibiotic prescribing for elderly patients requires special consideration due to unique infection characteristics. This review offers guidance on appropriate antibiotic use in geriatric infections.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infections in elderly patients present distinct epidemiological, etiological, and clinical features compared to younger adults.
- Appropriate antibiotic selection and dosing are critical for effective treatment and minimizing adverse events in geriatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the unique aspects of infections in the elderly.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for antibiotic prescribing in geriatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on geriatric infections and antibiotic therapy.
- Analysis of factors influencing antibiotic efficacy and safety in older adults.
Main Results:
- Elderly patients exhibit altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics affecting antibiotic response.
- Common infections in the elderly, such as urinary tract infections and pneumonia, require tailored treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must adapt antibiotic strategies based on the specific vulnerabilities and physiological changes in elderly patients.
- Optimizing antibiotic use in the geriatric population improves patient outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
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