Persons over the age of 65 make up almost 13 percent of the population of the United States, but they receive 30 percent of prescriptions filled. The elderly generally have more medical problems, and many of them are taking medications for more than one of these conditions. In addition, they tend to be more sensitive to medications. Even healthy older people eliminate some medications from the body more slowly than younger persons and therefore require a lower or less frequent dosage to maintain an effective level of medication.

The elderly are also more likely to take too much of a medication accidentally because they forget that they have taken a dose and take another one. The use of a 7-day pill-box, as described earlier in this brochure, can be especially helpful for an elderly person.

The elderly and those close to them - friends, relatives, caretakers - need to pay special attention and watch for adverse (negative) physical and psychological responses to medication. Because they often take more medications - not only those prescribed but also over-the-counter preparations and home, folk, or herbal remedies - the possibility of adverse drug interactions is high.

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• Other articles by Psych Central Staff

 

Last reviewed:
  On August 30, 2006
  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.