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This page is under review. An updated version will be available early in 2009
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"Ageing well is about quality of life. Research holds the
key to unlocking the possibilities of ageing well" |
Medication use increases with age because treatable
disease increases with age. People over 80 years of age each take an average
of 4 prescribed medications.
The major clinical issues for older people taking
medications are:
- changes in body
metabolism that slows medication breakdown (pharmacokinetics)
- changes in medication
potency (pharmacodynamics)
- interference between
different medications
- interaction between
medication taken for one disease state and disorded function from another
disease state
- the principle for
doctors is 'start low, go slow'
Common problems with medication use include:
- trouble
hearing, reading and remembering instructions relating to medication
- trouble
opening medication containers/blister packs
- taking
the same medication from different sources, for example multiple
doctors, chemist, relatives, hoarded stores of medication.
- confusion
and / or loss of balance from tranquillisers or sleeping tablets
- urinary
frequency with diuretics
- constipation
with analgesics
Simple solutions to reduce side-effects include:
- written
instructions which can be read and understood
- simple
regimen for taking medication
- frequent
review by your doctor
- only consult
one doctor
- supervision
of medication use when necessary
If you experience any of these symptoms and are concerned,
please consult your doctor.
Use the side menu for more tips
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