Antirheumatic drug therapy in the elderly

摘要: In developed nations about 10 percent of the population are elderly, defined as 65 years or older [1]. Predictions forecast a doubling this percentage by year 2030 [2]. At present elderly use approximately 75 doctors’ time and require 20–40 prescriptions per person annually [3]. United Kingdom occupy more than 50 all hospital beds, some 40 acute speciality beds [4]. Chronic illness, particularly rheumatic disease, is common, it therefore not surprising that so many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics other antirheumatic drugs prescribed for elderly. There growing evidence adverse reactions to drugs, especially analgesics, may be common in women [5]. This can explained, with respect patients general, three factors: receive an increased number medications, physiological changes which occur ageing affect pharmacokinetic drug distribution, patient sensitive pharmacodynamic effects drugs.