A humble opinion on rational application of anti-bacterial agents in the elderly
10.3760/cma.j.cn114015-20200731-000824
- VernacularTitle:老年患者抗菌药物合理应用刍议
- Author:
Danli TIAN
1
;
Yangui XU
1
Author Information
1. 天津市第一中心医院药学部，天津 300192
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Anti-bacterial agents;
Aged;
Drug Monitoring;
Rational drug use
- From:
Adverse Drug Reactions Journal
2021;23(1):6-9
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The elderly are susceptible to a variety of diseases and the problem of multiple medications is common. Therefore, the rational use of medications in the elderly, especially the rational use of anti-bacterial drugs, is very important. The elderly have unique physiological and pathological characteristics. The decrease of immune function with aging and various factors such as malnutrition, primary disease, decreased mucosal barrier function, weakened cough reflex, and functional changes of the urinary tract system may increase the chance of infection in the elderly. Recommendations for the application of antibacterial drugs in the elderly include strictly grasping of the indications and selecting drug carefully, being alert to adverse drug-drug interactions, paying attention to the safety of drugs in new indications, and formulating individualized therapeutic regimen, etc. The irrational use of antibiotics not only increases the economic burden of patients, but also directly leads to the emergence of bacterial resistance. Clinicians should strictly grasp the indications of antibiotics, monitor the blood drug concentration as much as possible, formulate individualized drug administration plan, and pay attention to medication monitoring, so as to promote the medication safety in the elderly.
