Are there medications that are particularly suitable or unsuitable for older people?
December 9, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Wilhelm Wunderlich
Dear doctor, my name is Franceska Fischer and I am contacting you with a question regarding medications for elderly people. My grandmother is 78 years old and has been experiencing health problems for some time. She regularly takes various medications, but I am concerned about whether they are suitable for her.
In the past few months, my grandmother has been struggling more with side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. I wonder if this could possibly be related to the medications. I am wondering if there are medications that are specifically suitable or unsuitable for older people. I am worried that the current medications may not be optimal for her and could negatively impact her health.
Are there certain medications that older people tolerate particularly well, or should certain medications be avoided? Are there alternatives that may be better suited for my grandmother? I would like to learn more about the right medication for elderly people to ensure that my grandmother receives the best possible treatment.
Thank you in advance for your help and support. I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about this topic.
Sincerely,
Franceska Fischer
Dear Mrs. Fischer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding medication for elderly people. It is understandable that you are concerned about the well-being of your grandmother and want to ensure that she receives the best possible treatment. Indeed, it is important to note that elderly people may react differently to medications than younger patients due to physiological changes that occur with age.
It is possible that the medications your grandmother is taking could be causing the side effects you described, such as dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Elderly people often have a slowed metabolism, which can result in medications staying in the body longer and having a stronger impact on the organism. Additionally, elderly people may also be more susceptible to interactions between different medications, as they often take multiple drugs simultaneously.
There are medications specifically designed for elderly people that are better tolerated. For example, lower dosages are often recommended for elderly patients to reduce the likelihood of side effects. Some medications should be avoided in elderly people as they may increase the risk of adverse effects such as falls, confusion, or heart rhythm disturbances.
It is important for your grandmother to be evaluated by a doctor to ensure that her medication is appropriate and to consider possible alternatives. A doctor can conduct a careful analysis of the current medications to determine if they are suitable for your grandmother or if adjustments are necessary. There may be medications with fewer side effects or better tolerance that are more suitable for your grandmother.
It is important to openly discuss your concerns with the treating doctor and work together to find the optimal treatment for your grandmother. Regular monitoring of the medication is also important to ensure that it remains appropriate and does not cause any unwanted effects.
I hope that this information is helpful and provides insight into the correct medication for elderly people. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions and seek professional medical advice to ensure the best possible treatment for your grandmother.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Wunderlich
