Drug therapy in elderly.

ABSTRACT

Population aging is considered as the most serious problem in developed countries and is going to be a threat for developing countries. Aging is associated with various physiological changes and multiple diseases like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis etc. which alter the pharmacological response to a drug. Moreover, elderly people are more sensitive to frequently used drugs like NSAIDs, benzodiazepines, opioids etc. All these factors alter the drug response resulting in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and hospitalization, consuming 40% of health service expenditure in developed countries. Hence it is mandatory for physicians to be aware of normal age related physiological and pharmacological changes taking place in old people. This will help to avoid irrational prescribing, minimize ADRs and maximize benefits of drugs in elderly patients. Above all educating the old patients and their care providers regarding the importance and proper use of drugs to their well being is necessary to improve adherence. Hence setting therapeutic guidelines for treating elderly patients will enhance their quality of life.