High-risk drugs in the elderly population

Drug therapy in elderly patients is affected by age-related changes in distribution and elimination and is further complicated by the increased sensitivity aged persons have to many of the effects of medications. Medications are often necessary in the elderly population, but care should be made to properly monitor these patients, especially those taking multiple drugs. Nurses, who are at the front lines of health care in all areas of practice, should be aware of drugs that may be high risk for use in the elderly and monitor these patients carefully for signs and symptoms of toxicity.