The therapeutic arsenal. (danger of drug therapy)

The appropriate and rational use of drugs by the elderly is a matter of growing social and medical concern. Though it is an accepted truth that drug therapy provides a helpful, cost-effective approach to many acute and chronic diseases affecting the elderly, there is an increased risk of adverse drug reactions and a tendency toward reduced benefits in that age group. Unfortunately, medication-induced disease remains a cardinal problem for the elderly. Despite recent emphasis on pharmacogeriatrics, too many older patients experience confusion, depression, weakness, falls, dizziness, skin rashes, and many other adverse reactions from drug therapy Drug therapy continues ...