Pharmacotherapeutics for Older Adults

Abstract

Older adults are likely to develop adverse drug events owing to age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and polypharmacy. In terms of pharmacokinetics, the drug should be prescribed at a reduced dose, which should be reconsidered and reduced during long-term use. For polypharmacy, "List of drugs to be prescribed with special caution" should be referred and deprescription should be practiced in consideration of the priority of treatment. Because older adults often show reduced ability to manage their medication due to cognitive dysfunction, low visual acuity, and hearing loss, measures should be taken to maintain their adherence.