drug therapy in the elderly

Last reviewed 01/2018

Drug therapy in the elderly must take account of the following:

  • polypharmacy for multiple pathology
  • adverse drug reactions two to three fold increased above the levels in younger people
  • compliance problems

Factors to be aware of:

  • frailty
  • severity of illness
  • helplessness
  • appetite and nutrition
  • fluid intake
  • immobility
  • multiple illness
  • confusion
  • lack of care