Medicus, Vol. 11 No. 1_Farmakologija, 2002.
Review article
Medical Interventions in Elderly
Viola Macolić Šarinić
Abstract
The most common medical intervention in
elderly (>65 years) is prescribing of drugs. The number of
elderly in this country is also increasing and becoming a medical
and pharmacoeconomic problem. The pharmacokinetic
and pharmacodynamic characteristics of drugs are changed in
the elderly, but not always in the same way in all drugs of a
ceartain drug group. Adverse events in elderly are more frequent
and often interpreted as a new disease, so new drugs
will be added for its treatment. Drugs most frequently prescribed
for this age population are analgesics (NSAR, opiod
analgesics), antirrheumatics, antidepressants, antihypertensives,
anticoagulants, antipsychotics, antiparkinsonics and
antidiabetic drugs. Before prescribing a drug to an elderly
patient, a thorough case history should be taken with special
emphasis given to drugs that he/she is taking. When prescribing
a new drug to elderly it is most important to know all
its characteristics, drugs should not be prescribed too early or
too long, long-term prescriptions should be frequently revaluated,
starting with small doses and gradually increasing the
dosage, making sure that the patient understands the correct
way of taking the drug. New drugs should be prescribed to
elderly with utmost caution and care.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
19954
URI
Publication date:
13.2.2002.
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