Polypharmacy Flashcards

1
Q

What are the symptoms of anticholinergic ADR’s?

A

Confusion, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention and orthostatic hypotension

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2
Q

What are the symptoms of a tricyclic ADR?

A

Confusion and unsteady gait

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3
Q

How do Adverse Drug Reactions look like in the elderly?

A
Unsteadiness
Dizziness
Confusion
Nervousness
Fatigue
Insomnia
Drowsiness
Falls
Depression
Incontinence
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4
Q

How might hyperthyroidism present in elderly patients?

A
Depression
Cognitive Impairment
Muscle Weakness
Atrial Fibrillation
Heart Failure
Angina
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5
Q

What drugs cause the most adverse effects?

A

Anticholinergics and Sedatives

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6
Q

What effects do ageing have on drug distribution?

A

Reduced muscle mass and increased adipose tissue may increase duration of action of fat soluble drugs

Reduced body water increases serum levels of water soluble drugs

Decreased albumin increases serum levels of acidic drugs

There is increased permeability across the blood brain barrier

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7
Q

How does age affect metabolism?

A

Decreased liver mass and blood flow effects hepatic metabolism and reduces first pass metabolism and increases toxicity

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8
Q

How does ageing affect drug excretion?

A

Renal function decreases with age and reduces clearance = increased half life and toxicity

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9
Q

Why does ageing cause a sensitivity to certain medicines?

A

Change in receptor binding, decrease in receptor number

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10
Q

What are the principles of prescribing for older people?

A
Be clear about diagnosis to avoid prescribing uneccesary drugs
Consider if drug therapy is best option
Low dose may be needed
Review doses regularly
Keep regimens simple
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