Drug Poisoning in Older Patients

摘要: Children under 6 years of age are involved in the majority poisonings. However, elderly more likely to require hospitalisation and die from poisonings compared with younger individuals. Drugs play an important role poisoning exposures older patients. Analgesics, cardiovascular medications, theophylline preparations antidepressants other psychotropic medications most commonly implicated drug fatalities Americans. Careful review information which characterises is essential development effective preventative strategies. Most poison centre calls for patients involve accidental exposures. The ingestion extra doses because forgetfulness, mistaken identity incorrect route administration, improper storage among primary reasons unintentional A model injury control composed 3 phases can be applied elderly: activities pre-event phase focus on prevention; it should occur; post-event directed at appropriate management reduce consequence exposure once occurs. general similar complicated by difficulties diagnosis poisoning, pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic changes associated aging, increased incidence chronic illness, medication potential clinically significant interactions. Aggressive initial treatment imperative generally susceptible toxic effects drugs.