Side effects of drugs in the geriatric patient
Follath, F.
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique 38(1): 49-54
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-5930 PMID: 6116295 Document Number: 179272
The probability of experiencing adverse drug reactions increases with age. Polypharmacy, pharmacokinetic changes (altered drug distribution, reduced renal and hepatic drug clearances), unusual pharmacological effects and impaired compensatory mechanisms are the principal reasons for the diminished tolerance of elderly patients to several drugs. Especially neuroleptics, antidepressants, tranquilizers, digoxin, potent diuretics, betablockers, and antiarrhythmics have to be employed with special care. To prevent adverse reactions in geriatric patients, prescriptions should be limited to a few essential drugs, dosage reduced, and dosing regimens simplified. However, therapeutic nihilism can never be justified by old age alone.