[Drug-related delirium in elderly patients].
Drugs have been widely associated with the development of delirium in the elderly and represent the most common reversible cause of this condition. This is of importance since successful treatment depends on identifying the reversible contributing factors. Medications with anticholinergic properties, tranquilizers, analgesics and narcotics are common causes of drug-induced delirium. This article provides practical approach to prevent and recognise this condition, reviews the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances and reconsiders age-related changes of pharmacological effects, which may contribute to the development of delirium.
Iglseder
Bernhard
B
Universitätsklinik für Geriatrie, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität, Salzburg, Austria.
Dovjak
Peter
P
Abteilung für Akutgeriatrie/Remobilisation, Landeskrankenhaus Gmunden, Gmunden, Austria.
Benvenuti-Falger
Ursula
U
Abteilung für Innere Medizin und Akutgeriatrie, Landeskrankenhaus Hochzirl, Zirl, Austria.
Böhmdorfer
Birgit
B
Anstaltsapotheke, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Wien, Austria.
Lechleitner
Monika
M
Abteilung für Innere Medizin und Akutgeriatrie, Landeskrankenhaus Hochzirl, Zirl, Austria.
Otto
Ronald
R
Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Austria.
Roller
Regina E
RE
Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Austria.
Sommeregger
Ulrike
U
Abteilung für Akutgeriatrie, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Wien, Austria.
Gosch
Markus
M
Abteilung für Innere Medizin und Akutgeriatrie, Landeskrankenhaus Hochzirl, Zirl, Austria. markus.gosch@tilak.at.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003693:Delirium / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000700:Analgesics; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D009294:Narcotics; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents