[Characteristics of antibiotic therapy in the elderly]

In the elderly, the morbidity and mortality rates of infections are significantly increased. Atypical or nonspecific symptoms or their absence often delay the diagnosis. When providing treatment, in addition to microbiological specifics of infections in the aged, consideration must also be given to pharmacokinetic aspects when choosing a suitable antibiotic. Furthermore, any existing medication must be taken into account in order to avoid interactions and undesirable drug effects. In view of the elevated mortality and multimorbidity rates, the early use of antibiotics is of considerable importance. If no specific etiological diagnosis is available, a broad-spectrum antibiotic should be administered.