Adverse drug reactions in the elderly

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are more frequent and more serious in elderly patients (> 65years). Signs and symptoms of ADRs are varied and sometimes atypical. The culprit drugs are mainly cardiovascular and psychotropic agents, anticoagulants, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Some risk factors for ADRs are inherendly due to aging, while others can be corrected. These preventable risk factors are related both to drugs themselves and to the behavior of doctors and patients. Given the major human and economic costs of ADRs in the elderly, aproactive prevention policy is urgently needed. This will involve more specific drug evaluation in the elderly, and better information for healthcare professionals and patients alike.