Medicine and the elderly

The elderly are at an increased risk for problems related to the use of prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal or other alternative medicines.
The number of medicines they take contributes significantly to problems associated with noncompliance, medicine interactions or adverse medicine reactions.
Physiological changes in the body associated with aging make the elderly more susceptible to the toxic effects of medicines. In fact, there are some medicines that should not be prescribed to the elderly at all. It can be assumed that the more medications a senior takes, the more likely there can be medication related problems.
One of the common factors contributing to over or misuse of medicines is poly-pharmacy – when a person uses too many medications. It is common amongst the elderly, especially those with multiple medical diseases. Poly-pharmacy can lead to potentially dangerous medicine interactions nasty side effects.
Keep in mind, this applies not to just prescription medications, but also to over-the-counter supplements and herbal medications.
This is not to say that taking medications for one's diseases or ailments is a bad thing, but it is important to take time to review the medicines you use.
As yourself:
• What medication am I taking and why?
• How necessary is each medication?
• Are any medications interacting with each other?
• Are any symptoms or conditions I have potentially due to the medicines that I take?
Schedule an appointment with a doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines and answer the above questions. Take along an accurate list of the medications, including supplements/herbals you are use.
For an elderly patient whose memory may not be so good, a family member will need to assist in compiling the list.
The over- or misuse of medicines may cause urinary problems (incontinence), gastro-intestinal problems (constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting), cognitive impairment (confusion), mental impairment (depression, delirium), injuries (hip fractures), breathing problems, skin rashes, bruising and bleeding, and neurological problems.
There are several ways you can help the elderly to avoid drug-induced medical problems.
Make sure your primary care doctor is aware of all the medications your parent/elderly is currently taking. Keep an up-to-date list to each medical visit. Be sure that any specialists report back to the primary doctor. Ask for written instructions on taking of medication and written descriptions of any possible side effects. Remind your parent or elderly to report any unusual symptoms to the doctor or pharmacist.
Make sure your parent understands when and how to administer each medication. Try to use a single pharmacy for all medications so that all prescriptions are on record. The pharmacist will determine if the medicines can be safely taken together and can answer any questions.
Take any unused or old medicines to your pharmacy for destruction.
Finally, always ask about the why, what, when and how of the medicines that you take. – William A Ndyetabula (Pharmacist) and published by: The Pharmaceutical Society of Namibia