Review article

Geriatric Dental Patients and Pharmacotherapy

Ileana Linčir ; Katedra za farmakologiju Stomatološki fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Kata Rošin-Grget ; Katedra za farmakologiju Stomatološki fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

Many factors can change the response to drugs in the elderly. First there are physiological changes as a result of changes in the body composition and function of organs. Many of them are a consequence of the essentially normal aging process. They can lead to altered drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Second, pathological factors that can influence drug effects are commoner in the elderly. Increased drug usage contributes to more adverse reactions and drug-interacti- ons. Poor patient compliance is assumed to be the third major source of drug therapy errors and consequently adverse drug reactions. The physician must provide adequate management of drug therapy in the elderly, adjusting the dose to possible alterations of age-related pharmacokinetic changes and avoiding multiple medications whenever possible, bearing in mind the possibility of interactions and side effects.

Keywords

drugs in the elderly; geriatric therapy

Hrčak ID:

97563

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/97563

Publication date:

15.3.1999.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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