PMID: 11930581Apr 5, 2002Paper

Prescribing for seniors: it's a balancing act

Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
S L Schafer

Abstract

To present a rational approach to prescribing for seniors, balancing the need for and number of medications. Selected evidence-based reviews and research articles and the author's own experience. Whenever possible, alternatives to medication therapy should be considered as the initial treatment of choice; however, medications should be prescribed when indicated and not withheld due to a patient's age. Reducing the number of medications reduces the risk for adverse drug reactions and drug-to-drug interactions. Careful review of an older patient's medication list prior to initiating new therapy is necessary. Follow-up care to review the efficacy and monitor any potential side effects is crucial. Timely discontinuation of a drug when therapeutic usefulness is surpassed is equally important.

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Citations

Feb 29, 2008·American Journal of Medical Quality : the Official Journal of the American College of Medical Quality·Debra Matsen PiconeRui Qin
Aug 23, 2019·Journal of Gerontological Nursing·Linda S Edelman, Rachael Hemmert
Sep 25, 2020·Primary Health Care Research & Development·Rasa MikelytePatricia M Wilson

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