Hazards of drug use in the elderly. Commonsense measures to reduce them.

One of the major tasks of clinicians caring for elderly patients is preventing adverse drug reactions. This age-group is particularly at high risk for multiple pathologic findings and physical problems; therefore, increased drug use is common. Nondrug therapy should be employed whenever possible; however, if a drug is needed, the following interactions should be considered: drug-drug, drug-alcohol, drug-disease, and drug-nutrition. Successful management depends on good communication among all health care providers and with the patient, including use of written instructions and a patient medication record, and periodic review of both the dose prescribed and the need for the drug.