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Therapeutic considerations in prescribing for elderly patients
European Journal of Rheumatology and Inflammation
|January 1, 1982
Summary
Elderly patients often experience adverse drug reactions, necessitating specialized therapeutic approaches. Comprehensive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in older adults are crucial for safe and effective medication prescribing.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Polypharmacy is prevalent in individuals over 75, with a significant percentage taking multiple medications.
- Adverse drug reactions contribute to a notable proportion of admissions to geriatric medicine departments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges associated with prescribing medications for the elderly population.
- To highlight the need for tailored pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic research in geriatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on drug prescribing for the elderly.
- Discussion of factors influencing drug presentation, compliance, absorption, metabolism, and elimination in older adults.
Main Results:
- A substantial portion of elderly individuals use medications, and a significant percentage of geriatric admissions are linked to adverse drug events.
- Ageing and disease processes in old age alter drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Conclusions:
- The elderly represent a unique population with special therapeutic needs.
- Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies must be specifically conducted in the elderly for all medications to ensure safety and efficacy.