Safety issues in the pharmacologic management of chronic pain in the elderly

Chronic pain is commonly encountered in elderly patients. About 20-50% of community-dwelling elderly experience it, and 45-80% of nursing home residents may be affected. Selection of pharmacologic therapy for the management of chronic pain must take into consideration the increased potential for adv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPharmacotherapy Vol. 18; no. 6; p. 1313
Main Author Shimp, L A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.1998
Subjects
Acetaminophen - adverse effects
Acetaminophen - therapeutic use
Aged
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - adverse effects
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - therapeutic use
Chronic Disease
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Health Services for the Aged
Humans
Pain - drug therapy
Risk Factors
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Summary:Chronic pain is commonly encountered in elderly patients. About 20-50% of community-dwelling elderly experience it, and 45-80% of nursing home residents may be affected. Selection of pharmacologic therapy for the management of chronic pain must take into consideration the increased potential for adverse effects in this population. Major classes of drugs used to treat chronic pain (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, opioids, antidepressants) have adverse effects that occur more frequently in elderly than in younger patients. Given the often prolonged duration of therapy, optimal management requires minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
ISSN:0277-0008
DOI:10.1002/j.1875-9114.1998.tb03154.x