Medications and nutrition in the elderly
Roe, D.A.
Primary Care 21(1): 135-147
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0095-4543 PMID: 8197251 Document Number: 436112
Single drug and drug combinations taken by elderly individuals may impose nutritional risk. Nutritional risk induced by drug intake include anorexia, excessive increase in appetite, drug-induced nutritional deficiencies, and toxic reactions. Drug side effects, such as postural hypotension, may interfere with food shopping or cooking ability. Prescribed diets may also impose a risk of drug-induced side effects or diminished drug efficacy. Unwanted outcomes of drug-food and drug-nutrient interactions can be minimized by instructing elderly men and women and their caregivers to avoid timing errors in drug-taking behavior and toxic reactions due to food incompatibility. In addition, drug-induced nutritional deficiencies can be avoided by advising drug-taking elderly on the appropriate levels of nutrient intake.