title: Hazards of drug use in the elderly. Commonsense measures to reduce them.
abstract: One of the major tasks of clinicians caring for elderly patients is preventing adverse drug reactions. This age-group is particularly at high risk for multiple pathologic findings and physical problems; therefore, increased drug use is common. Nondrug therapy should be employed whenever possible; however, if a drug is needed, the following interactions should be considered: drug-drug, drug-alcohol, drug-disease, and drug-nutrition. Successful management depends on good communication among all health care providers and with the patient, including use of written instructions and a patient medication record, and periodic review of both the dose prescribed and the need for the drug.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D004347:Drug Interactions; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000009:adverse effects; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012306:Risk; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs