title: Drug-induced illness in the elderly.
abstract: The elderly are predisposed to adverse drug reactions because of age-related physiologic changes, interaction of one drug with another, and interaction between a drug and a coexisting medical condition. Recognition of such adverse reactions is essential, because many are reversible and many are even preventable. Assessment of clinical disorders in the elderly should include evaluation of drugs as a causal or aggravating factor. Careful choice and dosage of drugs in the elderly will minimize the likelihood of drug-induced illness.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Harper
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003221:Confusion / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D010599:Pharmacokinetics; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000139:chemically induced