Drug use and effects in older adults in the United States.
Aging markedly influences drug use and drug effects. The purpose of this review is two-fold: (i) to examine how social, economic, and psychological factors, compliance, and prescribing patterns affect drug use in institutionalized and non-institutionalized older adults in the United States, and (ii) to illustrate how physiological aging, actions of drugs, and adverse drug reactions influence drug effects. Recommendations for further study include identification of adverse reactions, and examination of drug taking behavior in older adults who are alone or debilitated. Research is especially needed for those in nursing homes and for those who are old-old (over 85 years).
Potempa
K M
KM
Medical-Surgical Nursing Department, University of Illinois College of Nursing, Chicago 60612.
Folta
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism*; D010599:Pharmacokinetics
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations