Precautions for Medication Use in Elderly People and Children
Dec 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Elderly people often experience diminished organ function and suffer from multiple medical conditions, while children are in a stage of growth and development with delicate organs and systems. Therefore, medication use in the elderly and children requires special precautions, including avoiding drug misuse, minimizing combination therapy, and using medications only under a physician's guidance. Additionally, if elderly patients or children have previously experienced adverse drug reactions, this should be communicated to the doctor in advance to prevent worsening of adverse effects after taking medications.
As elderly people experience diminished organ function and often suffer from multiple diseases, their use of medications tends to increase accordingly. Children, on the other hand, are in a stage of growth and development, with delicate organs and lower tolerance to drugs. Therefore, medication use in the elderly and children requires special attention, including preventing drug abuse, minimizing combination therapy, and using medications only under a doctor's guidance.
1. Prevent Drug Abuse
Drug abuse refers to using medications without considering the condition, patient characteristics (such as age—elderly or children), or drug properties. Arbitrary use may result in no therapeutic effect, prolonging treatment time; in severe cases, it may delay proper treatment, worsen the condition, and cause unnecessary suffering.
2. Minimize Combination Therapy
Some drugs enhance each other’s effects when used together, increasing therapeutic benefits. However, others may reduce efficacy or even increase toxicity when combined. Therefore, for elderly patients and children, it is best to use a single drug or at most two drugs in combination.
3. Use Medications Under Medical Supervision
The elderly and children should take medications only under a doctor's guidance. Many conditions can resolve spontaneously through proper lifestyle management, dietary adjustment, and increased physical activity. Elderly individuals should avoid taking medication unnecessarily and overcome psychological dependence on drugs. For example, patients with hyperlipidemia should first modify their diet and improve lifestyle habits rather than immediately resorting to medication.
In addition, any history of adverse drug reactions in elderly or pediatric patients should be reported to the doctor beforehand to prevent worsening of side effects after medication administration.
