title: Drugs and the kidney in the elderly.
abstract: The high rates of drug-induced acute renal failure, worsening chronic renal dysfunction and systemic toxicity of renally excreted drugs in the elderly can be minimised by carefully assessing renal function, avoiding potentially nephrotoxic drugs as much as possible and closely monitoring drug concentrations and renal function when they must be used. The co-existence of impaired renal function, degenerative vascular disease or cardiac failure in the elderly substantially increases the risk of renal toxicity. When in doubt about potential nephrotoxicity or an increased risk of systemic toxicity from renally excreted drugs in the elderly, the practitioner should consult the numerous published guidelines.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital, Alfred HealthCare Group, Melbourne, VIC.
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Thomson
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000617:Aminoglycosides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004077:Digoxin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004232:Diuretics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D004232:Diuretics; D004077:Digoxin