title: [Side effects of drugs in the geriatric patient (author's transl)].
abstract: The probability of experiencing adverse drug reactions increases with age. Polypharmacy, pharmacokinetic changes (altered drug distribution, reduced renal and hepatic drug clearances), unusual pharmacological effects and impaired compensatory mechanisms are the principal reasons for the diminished tolerance of elderly patients to several drugs. Especially neuroleptics, antidepressants, tranquilizers, digoxin, potent diuretics, betablockers, and antiarrhythmics have to be employed with special care. To prevent adverse reactions in geriatric patients, prescriptions should be limited to a few essential drugs, dosage reduced, and dosing regimens simplified. However, therapeutic nihilism can never be justified by old age alone.
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000139:chemically induced; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects; D003401:Creatine / Q000652:urine; D004077:Digoxin / Q000009:adverse effects; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D004077:Digoxin; D003401:Creatine
vernacular_title: Medikamentöse Nebenwirkungen im Alter.