ABSTRACT
With increasing age comes increased ill-health and reduced organ function. Increased ill-health leads to greater use of drugs. In conjunction with reduced organ function, this may contribute to a higher frequency of adverse effects and serious drug interactions in the elderly than in younger patients. The elderly may also have increased sensitivity to certain drugs’ effects. It is important to observe the elderly closely, both after starting with new drugs and after cessation of medical treatment, to monitor whether the intended effects are achieved and whether troublesome or serious adverse effects or interactions have occurred.
