title: Safety issues in the pharmacologic management of chronic pain in the elderly.
abstract: Chronic pain is commonly encountered in elderly patients. About 20-50% of community-dwelling elderly experience it, and 45-80% of nursing home residents may be affected. Selection of pharmacologic therapy for the management of chronic pain must take into consideration the increased potential for adverse effects in this population. Major classes of drugs used to treat chronic pain (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, opioids, antidepressants) have adverse effects that occur more frequently in elderly than in younger patients. Given the often prolonged duration of therapy, optimal management requires minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1065, USA.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Shimp
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000082:Acetaminophen