title: Perspectives on geriatric pharmacotherapy.
abstract: In the United States the population over 85 years of age use a disproportionately large percentage of health care resources, including drugs. The elderly take approximately one-third of all medications. Among other factors, the need for several agents predisposes them to adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. Sequelae from drug usage in the elderly are more common than in younger patient populations, and often result in hospitalization. Careful patient monitoring is imperative for optimum pharmacotherapy in elderly patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0486.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Delafuente
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs