Tag: Geriatric care

The prevalence of polypharmacy (taking five or more medications) in elderly populations is estimated to be 41% [1.4.1]. This high medication use is a primary reason why older adults are the population group most prone to drug-drug interactions, which can lead to significant harm [1.2.1].

Overdose rates from opioids among adults aged 65 and older increased significantly from 2021 to 2022, highlighting the critical dangers associated with these drugs in this population. It is crucial for healthcare providers and families to understand why opioids should be avoided in the elderly unless absolutely necessary and used with extreme caution.

According to a 2016 study published in *Neurology*, antibiotics may be linked to delirium and other brain problems more often than previously thought. The elderly are particularly susceptible to this side effect, prompting the critical question: **Can antibiotics cause confusion in the elderly?** This article explores the specific risks and provides vital information for patients and caregivers.

Up to 90% of individuals with dementia experience behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), including psychosis [1.5.3, 1.5.6]. This raises the question: **Can Abilify be used for dementia patients** to manage these challenging symptoms, despite the risks?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), confusion is a known, though less common, side effect of clonazepam. This cognitive symptom arises because the medication acts as a central nervous system depressant, slowing down brain activity. Understanding the factors that contribute to this confusion is crucial for patients and caregivers.

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.

Over 90% of adults aged 65 and older use at least one prescription medication monthly, underscoring the critical need for robust medication safety measures. This is where the Beers Criteria comes in—it is an essential tool used for screening for potentially inappropriate medications in this vulnerable population to improve prescribing practices.

According to the CDC, over 25% of older adults experience a fall each year, with medication use being a key contributing factor. Understanding which of the following medications qualify as a patient fall risk factor according to validated assessment tools is critical for patient safety, especially in high-risk populations.

More than half of drug-induced liver injury cases attributed to antifungal agents occur in patients aged over 45, highlighting the need for careful consideration when prescribing fluconazole to the elderly. This article explores whether is fluconazole safe for the elderly, detailing the specific risks and necessary precautions.

According to the World Health Organization, the use of oral rehydration solutions has been estimated to reduce the risk of death from diarrhea by up to 93%. This dramatic statistic highlights just one of the critical functions of oral solutions and answers the question: **What does oral solution work for?** These liquid medications serve a vital role in healthcare, offering numerous advantages over solid dosage forms like tablets and capsules.