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Adverse Drug Events
Doctors must consider potentially inappropriate meds when treating elderly
January 25th, 2005
Just as our bodies physically slow down as we age, changes occur in the way that older bodies handle pharmaceuticals, and prescribing physicians need to be aware of those medications inappropriate for the elderly. "With age, drugs tend to build up in the body, and the distribution and elimination of drugs from the body changes as well," said Dr. Donna M. Fick, RN, associate professor of nursing at Penn State. "Many drugs, like diazepam (Valium) and other anti-anxiety drugs build up fast." Also, doctors may not know all the prescriptions, let alone over-the-counter, drugs that elderly patients are taking. "Sometimes someone is started on a drug in...
Source: Life Science Weekly (2005-01-25)
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