Special considerations for antimicrobial therapy in the elderly.
The elderly are at increased risk of infection and suffer higher morbidity and mortality than younger people. Diagnosis of etiologic agents is frequently difficult. Alterations in pharmacokinetics in the elderly affect antibiotic choice. beta-lactam antibiotics and the fluoroquinolones are appropriate agents for the therapy of a wide range of infections in the elderly. Aminoglycosides should be used with caution in this age group due to the elderly's increased susceptibility to aminoglycoside-induced toxicity.
Norman
D C
DC
UCLA School of Medicine.
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents