title: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions in the elderly.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Population ageing is a worldwide phenomenon. The presence of multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as skin changes in the elderly contribute to a unique diagnostic and management problem. This article reviews the epidemiology of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in the elderly and elaborates on a few specific types of reactions which are more relevant to the elderly.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Chronic dermatoses, for example, eczema, have been reported to be associated with the use of long-term medications such as calcium channel blockers and hydrochlorothiazide. Elderly patients receiving treatment for cancers may develop chemotherapy-related cutaneous side effects, including those associated with newer 'targeted' molecular therapies. Elderly patients who develop severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have worse prognosis in terms of mortality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Persons of advanced age often have multiple comorbidities and are on multiple medications. This can result in higher probability of an elderly person developing drug eruptions. It is important for the clinician to be aware of the range of drug-related eruptions and their implications.
authors.affiliation: National Skin Centre, Singaspore.
authors.forename: Yee Kiat
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Heng
authors.forename: Yen Loo
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Lim
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide