Prescribing for seniors: it's a balancing act

PURPOSE: To present a rational approach to prescribing for seniors, balancing the need for and number of medications. DATA SOURCES: Selected evidence-based reviews and research articles and the author's own experience. CONCLUSIONS: Whenever possible, alternatives to medication therapy should be considered as the initial treatment of choice; however, medications should be prescribed when indicated and not withheld due to a patient's age. Reducing the number of medications reduces the risk for adverse drug reactions and drug-to-drug interactions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Careful review of an older patient's medication list prior to initiating new therapy is necessary. Follow-up care to review the efficacy and monitor any potential side effects is crucial. Timely discontinuation of a drug when therapeutic usefulness is surpassed is equally important.