Tag: Elderly

Studies reveal that antipsychotics, including risperidone and haloperidol, carry a significant black box warning for increased mortality risk in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. When considering pharmacological interventions for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), the critical question of 'Is risperidone or haloperidol better for dementia in the elderly?' requires a careful evaluation of risks versus benefits, efficacy, and safety profile.

Clinical trials have not established the efficacy and safety of Imigran tablets in children under 18 or adults over 65, leading to specific age limitations for this migraine medication. It is crucial for individuals of all ages to follow medical guidance regarding Imigran and to understand the specific age recommendations for different formulations.

According to the American Geriatrics Society's Beers Criteria, atropine is listed as a potentially inappropriate medication for older adults due to its strong anticholinergic properties. This critical geriatric guideline underscores the serious risks associated with prescribing atropine to the elderly, prompting careful consideration of why is atropine contraindicated in the elderly.

Despite widespread belief, large-scale studies have consistently found that daily multivitamins, like Centrum Silver, do not reduce the risk of heart attacks or cardiovascular disease. For individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, taking a multivitamin without medical supervision can introduce significant risks, such as adverse drug interactions. This guide examines what a heart patient needs to know before considering Centrum Silver and the crucial importance of consulting their healthcare provider.

According to a study from the ALLHAT trial, older adults starting amlodipine experienced a higher risk of falls within the first year compared to those on certain other antihypertensive medications. This raises important questions for patients: **Can amlodipine cause falls?**

Several meta-analyses and observational studies have shown that digoxin use is associated with an increased risk of falls, especially in older adults [1.2.2, 1.7.2]. This risk may be higher during the initial treatment period [1.2.1].

According to the American Geriatrics Society, many commonly prescribed drugs, including some antidepressants, are considered potentially inappropriate for older adults due to heightened risks of adverse effects. Understanding which antidepressant should be avoided in the elderly is a critical step in providing safe and effective care for geriatric patients dealing with depression.

While first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl are well-known for their potential to cause confusion and delirium, research and case reports have explored the question: Can Zyrtec cause delirium? Zyrtec (cetirizine), a second-generation antihistamine, is generally considered safer, but rare cases of CNS-related side effects, including delirium, have been documented, especially under specific conditions.

Medication-related hospitalizations are a significant problem for older adults, with adverse drug effects accounting for up to 20% of hospitalizations in this population. A key contributor to this risk is digoxin, a medication with a narrow therapeutic index that presents unique challenges in geriatric care, explaining why avoiding it is often recommended.

In 2018, a large Medicare-based study found a 17% higher risk of dementia in older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) taking tamsulosin compared to those not on medication. This finding spurred a significant clinical debate regarding whether tamsulosin is linked to dementia in the elderly, leading to subsequent research with conflicting results.