Common medication management approaches for older adults in the emergency department

• Autores: Scott M. Dresden, Katherine Allen, Abbie Erickson Lyden
• Localización: Clinics in geriatric medicine, ISSN 0749-0690, Vol. 34, Nº. 3, 2018, págs. 415-433
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Adverse drug events (ADEs) are common and problematic for older adults. They may be reduced by more accurate medication lists, better patient-clinician communication, and better understanding of potentially inappropriate medications. Polypharmacy, generally defined as taking 6 or more medications, is common among older adults and is associated with adverse health outcomes. The American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria is a beneficial resource for identifying potentially inappropriate medications. Physiologic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic changes with age have an impact on the therapeutic window for medications for older adults and should be considered when prescribing. Common potentially inappropriate medications used in emergency departments include anticholinergics, anticoagulants, benzodiazepines, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.