title: Geriatric rheumatology: safe use of potentially toxic antirheumatics.
abstract: Despite what is known about pharmacokinetics in the elderly, there is little information regarding the relationship between age and disease-modifying antirheumatic agents or immunosuppressive drugs. Musculoskeletal diseases are common in the aging population, and the therapeutic use of potentially toxic pharmacologic agents, including immunosuppressives, is prevalent. A number of factors influence the potential for toxicity in this age group, including polypharmacy and age-related physiologic change. An overview of clinical pharmacologic factors in the elderly is presented, and available information on efficacy and toxicity of disease-modifying antirheumatics and immunosuppressives is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Melnyk
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents