Sibel Akin
Turkey
Research Article
Rational Drug Use in the Elderly
Author(s): Gulistan Bahat, Fatih Tufan, Sibel Akin, Asli Tufan, Nilgun Erten and Mehmet Akif Karan
Gulistan Bahat, Fatih Tufan, Sibel Akin, Asli Tufan, Nilgun Erten and Mehmet Akif Karan
Polypharmacy is a commonly addressed problem in the elderly. It is the use of a minimum of four medicines simultaneously. However, the elderly population suffers not only from the overuse of the medicines but also from the underuse. Furthermore, not uncommonly, use of a minimum of four medicines designated as polypharmacy, may be rational in many clinical circumstances in the elderly. In this article, we review the principles of rational drug use in the elderly. The main aim of the geriatric management increasing the quality of life should also be the purpose of the drug therapy. The physiological changes that occur by aging should be taken into account. The patient or caregiver should be informed on the drug list, instruction on use, possible side effects and indication of the current regimen. The drugs taken by the patient should be checked against the recommended regimen. The regim.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2167-7182.1000104