title: Relationship Between Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Fall Risk in Older Adults.
abstract: Approximately 20% to 30% of older adults use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) daily. While some NSAIDs are known to cause adverse central nervous system effects, the risk of falls associated with NSAID use in older adults has not been as closely scrutinized as it has with other pain medications. This article reviews 16 studies evaluating NSAID use by older adults and subsequent fall risk. In the majority of evaluated studies, geriatric patients using NSAIDs had a higher occurrence of falls compared with those not takinG NSAIDS. It is important for pharmacists to understand this potential hazard of NSAID use by older adults to minimize the risk of falls by providing patient education, adjusting dosages, discontinuing medications, and closely monitoring patients.
authors.affiliation: Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Cottondale, Alabama, USA.
authors.forename: L Rebekah
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Findley
authors.forename: Marilyn N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Bulloch
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal