title: Antirheumatic agents: CNS toxicity and its avoidance.
abstract: Altered drug metabolism, polypharmacy, multiple diseases, and errors in self-medication are all factors seen in the elderly which increase the risk for side effects from antirheumatic drug therapy. The geriatric presentation of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity, which is common yet frequently overlooked, is reviewed as it pertains to various drugs commonly used to treat rheumatic disease. Practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls in antirheumatic prescribing is offered.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Department, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire.
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Iobst
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Bridges
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Regan-Smith
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001241:Aspirin