Crooks J
J Chronic Dis. 1983;36(1):59-65. doi: 10.1016/0021-9681(83)90044-9.
The potential for altered responsiveness to drugs in elderly patients together with their high frequency of multiple disease states for which drug therapy might be indicated makes it important to define certain basic principles of prescribing for them in order to obtain maximum efficacy with minimum unwanted effects. Many diseases from which the elderly suffer do not require drug treatment and, if it is required, the decision should be made in light of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the alternatives, the increased potential of certain drugs to produce adverse effects in the elderly and a regular review of the need for continued medication. In order to improve compliance with prescribing instructions, the minimum number of drugs and doses should be prescribed, the size, shape and colour of tablets and capsules should also determine choice, and attention paid to packaging and labelling. The methods by which the patient living at home can manage his/her medication effectively should be carefully considered.
老年患者对药物反应性改变的可能性，以及他们患有多种可能需要药物治疗的疾病的高频率，使得为他们确定某些基本的处方原则变得很重要，以便在产生最小副作用的情况下获得最大疗效。老年人所患的许多疾病并不需要药物治疗，如果需要药物治疗，应根据替代药物的药代动力学和药效学特征、某些药物在老年人中产生不良反应的可能性增加以及定期审查继续用药的必要性来做出决定。为了提高对处方说明的依从性，应开出最少数量的药物和剂量，片剂和胶囊的大小、形状和颜色也应作为选择的依据，并注意包装和标签。对于居家患者有效管理其药物的方法应予以仔细考虑。
