Adverse drug reactions.

The elderly have benefitted considerably from the vast increase in the range of drugs available for prescription. However it is now well recognized that the incidence in adverse drug reactions increases with age. This is mainly due to altered pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics as well as multiple prescribing and the effect of illness rather than the effect of age per se. Since adverse drug reactions are such a potent cause of illness, it is sensible for doctors to follow simple rules when prescribing for the elderly.