What are reasons for medication problems in the older population?

What are reasons for medication problems in the older population?

In older adults, a number of common causes for adverse drug effects, ineffectiveness, or both are preventable (see table Preventable Causes of Drug-Related Problems ). One major cause involves inadequate communication with patients or between health care practitioners (particularly during health care transitions).

Which medication reaction is seen most frequently in older adults?

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in older adults, with falls, orthostatic hypotension, delirium, renal failure, gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding being amongst the most common clinical manifestations.

Are there any painkillers that are safe for older adults?

These topical forms are much safer, and can be effective for pain .) Despite this fact, NSAIDs are often bought by seniors at the drugstore. Perhaps even worse, NSAIDs are often prescribed to older adults by physicians, because the anti-inflammatory effect can provide relief from arthritis pain, gout, and other common health ailments.

Are there any medications for erectile dysfunction in the elderly?

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-I) are commonly used for on-demand or chronic treatment of ED. It is widely known that PDE5-I have lower response rates in older men than in younger patients, but they have the advantages of ease of use and excellent safety profile, also in the elderly.

What are the risks of taking aspirin as a senior?

These include: Increased risk of bleeding in the stomach, small bowel, or colon. Seniors who take daily aspirin or a blood-thinner are at especially high risk. Problems with the stomach lining, which can cause stomach pain or even peptic ulcer disease.

Is it safe for older adults to take acetaminophen?

So people can easily end up taking more daily acetaminophen than they realize. This can indeed be dangerous; research suggests that 40% of acetaminophen overdoses cases are accidental. But when taken at recommended doses, acetaminophen has surprisingly few side-effects and rarely harms older adults.

What should you do in your 60s if you have macular degeneration?

You might find it harder to see well in dim light; in general, 60-year-olds need three times as much light to read as 20-year-olds. And after age 60, the risk of macular degeneration increases. Fish oil and a diet rich in antioxidants can help prevent this condition.

What happens to your body at the age of 60?

You may have sarcopenia – a notable loss of muscle mass and strength that affects about 10 percent of adults over the age of 60. If untreated, sarcopenia will affect your balance, mobility and stamina and raise the risk of falling, becoming frail and losing independence.

What causes vertigo in seniors over 60 years old?

But if you’re over 60, keep an eye out for its primary symptom: intense vertigo when moving your head. This can occur even when you’re merely rolling over in bed. It’s an inner ear disturbance that has a number of causes, including a head injury, an ear infection, and aging. 2. Ménière’s Disease

Are there any good news for people in their 60s?

The Not-So-Good News: Heart disease accounts for more than 20 percent of all deaths among men and women ages 65 to 74. But thanks to advances in the treatment of this disease, the death rate from heart disease declined 27.8 percent from 1997 to 2007, according to the American Heart Association. One way to improve your odds? Keep moving.