This continuing feature focuses on the medication needs of the geriatric population, a group that is especially vulnerable to a variety of medication-related problems (including medication errors). The goals of this series are to increase awareness about the inherent risks and challenges of pharmacologic therapy in elderly patients and to promote optimal medication use in this high-risk population. Questions and comments are appreciated and should be directed to Dianne E. Tobias, PharmD, CGP at detobias@aol.com.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
CipolleR.J., StrandL.M., MorleyP.C.Pharmaceutical Care Practice.New York: McGraw Hill;1998.
2.
ZhanC., SanglJ., BiermanA.S.Potentially inappropriate medication use in the community-dwelling elderly.JAMA.2001; 286: 2823–9.
3.
TurnheimK.Drug treatment in the elderly: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations. In: MallarkeyG.. Drug Treatment Considerations in the Elderly.Auckland, New Zealand: Adis Books; 1999.
4.
BeersM.H.Age-related changes as a risk factor for medication-related problems.Medication and Aging.2001/2002; 24(4): 22–27.
5.
ReynoldsCF3rd. Depression: Making the diagnosis and using SSRIs in the older patient.Geriatrics.1996; 51: 28–34.
6.
HanlonJ.T., SchmaderK.E., RubyC.M.Suboptimal prescribing in older inpatients and outpatients.J Am Geriatr Soc.2001; 49: 200–9.