ID Corner: Proceed with Caution: Antibiotic Considerations in the Geriatric Population
by Kelvin Gandhi, PharmD, Kelsey Zeeck, PharmD, Allison Gibble, PharmD, BCIDP
"Individuals aged 65 years and older currently account for approximately 14.5% of the United States population. With aging baby boomers and advancements in medicine and technology, there is a rapidly increasing elderly population, which is projected to double over the next 25 years.1 Age is a potential risk factor for infection, increased length of hospital stay, and many other complications. The elderly are generally more susceptible to infections than the younger population because of the potential association of aging with exposure to infections, anatomical and functional changes, and immune dysfunction.2-4 A previous study showed that elderly patients used more antibiotics per person per year compared to the younger population.1 With more medications being prescribed, there is an exponential increase in adverse effects.5 Managing infections with antibiotic therapy in the elderly poses many obstacles to health care professionals, due to variable pharmacokinetic properties, decreased immune function, and increased risk for drug-drug interactions and adverse effects.1 Using safe and effective pharmacotherapy is crucial in minimizing the collateral damage that can come with antibiotic agents, especially in the geriatric population."
Keywords: Aged, United States, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Length of Stay, Aging, Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions, Drug Interactions, Disease Susceptibility, Medicine, Risk Factors, Health Personnel, Technology, Pharmaceutical Preparations
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2021 May/June Table of Contents
"Individuals aged 65 years and older currently account for approximately 14.5% of the United States population. With aging baby boomers and advancements in medicine and technology, there is a rapidly increasing elderly population, which is projected to double over the next 25 years.1 Age is a potential risk factor for infection, increased length of hospital stay, and many other complications. The elderly are generally more susceptible to infections than the younger population because of the potential association of aging with exposure to infections, anatomical and functional changes, and immune dysfunction.2-4 A previous study showed that elderly patients used more antibiotics per person per year compared to the younger population.1 With more medications being prescribed, there is an exponential increase in adverse effects.5 Managing infections with antibiotic therapy in the elderly poses many obstacles to health care professionals, due to variable pharmacokinetic properties, decreased immune function, and increased risk for drug-drug interactions and adverse effects.1 Using safe and effective pharmacotherapy is crucial in minimizing the collateral damage that can come with antibiotic agents, especially in the geriatric population."
Keywords: Aged, United States, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Length of Stay, Aging, Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions, Drug Interactions, Disease Susceptibility, Medicine, Risk Factors, Health Personnel, Technology, Pharmaceutical Preparations
Download PDF
2021 May/June Table of Contents