title: Reviewing geriatric concerns with commonly used drugs.
abstract: The most important special consideration for drug use in the last years of life is that the medications prescribed do what is intended and do not contribute to morbidity or premature mortality. Key factors in appropriate use are reviewed for analgesics, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, thyroid drugs, anti-diabetic agents, digoxin, newer antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, diuretics and potassium supplements, sympatholytic and vasodilatory antihypertensives, warfarin and heparin, anxiolytics, neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antimicrobials, laxatives, gastrointestinal and bronchodilatory agents, and nutritional supplements and vitamins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004347:Drug Interactions; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004358:Drug Therapy; D005853:Geriatrics; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000925:Anticoagulants; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D014665:Vasodilator Agents