As the elderly age, their body functions gradually decline, and they are prone to "disease-ridden", and most of them may have the need to take drugs for a long time. The following 10 commonly used medicines for the elderly, see if your elderly are using them correctly?
ibuprofen
Although ibuprofen is a commonly used antipyretic analgesic, care should be taken to prevent liver damage.
With age, coupled with the prevalence of respiratory infections, some antipyretic analgesics, especially ibuprofen, are widely used. However, the body function of the elderly has declined, and the metabolism rate is slower. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the dosage when using ibuprofen to prevent the potential risks of overdosing, such as liver damage, bleeding or ulcers.
insulin
Some elderly people have diabetes and need to use insulin for a long time to control blood sugar, but many times when they wake up in the morning and find that their blood sugar is elevated, they mistakenly think that the amount of insulin is not enough and increase the dose without authorization, which can easily lead to hypoglycemia and even sudden death due to hypoglycemia. Therefore, older people with diabetes should take their medications as prescribed.
digoxin
Digoxin is mainly used in clinical practice for heart failure, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate, cardiac insufficiency, etc. However, the therapeutic dose of this drug is very close to the toxic dose, and it is necessary to pay attention to the dosage and monitor the blood concentration of the drug when using it. In addition, the bioavailability of digoxin may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from batch to batch, so it is also necessary to closely monitor the physical condition when changing the type of drug.
Nifedipine
Nifedipine is an antihypertensive drug, so there is also a risk that it can lead to hypotension. This type of hypotension, caused by high blood pressure medications, has symptoms similar to high blood pressure, but people tend to find it more unbearable, such as dizziness.
To effectively manage this condition, patients should actively self-monitor their blood pressure. It is recommended to measure blood pressure at least three times a day, at least once in the morning and once in the evening before bedtime, if conditions are limited. In addition, some patients with hypertension may experience constipation after nifedipine, which can be improved by adjusting their diet, increasing their fluid intake, and increasing physical activity. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a doctor in time to adjust the medication regimen.
Chlorpheniramine
In addition to being anti-allergic, chlorpheniramine has a sedative effect, but if used incorrectly, it may cause drowsiness, confusion, and delirium. In addition, the metabolism time of chlorpheniramine is relatively long, which leads to the easy accumulation of ingredients in the body of the elderly, increasing the burden on the liver and kidneys. Therefore, the elderly should pay more attention to controlling the dosage when using.
Ji Xi Tai
Diazepam also has a sedative effect, if the elderly get up at night after using it, they may have dizziness, which can lead to accidents such as falls. In addition, it can also lead to dependency. If there is a long-term use, the dosage should be gradually reduced when the drug is stopped, and the drug should not be stopped suddenly.
vancomycin
Vancomycin is mainly used for gram-positive coccal infections and has a good antibacterial effect, but it may cause liver and kidney damage, allergies, etc. Therefore, the elderly should use it under the guidance of a doctor.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a type of antibiotic, and common adverse reactions include allergies, high fever, chills, laryngeal edema and even dyspnea, and impaired kidney function. Therefore, older people should use this drug with caution and, if necessary, replace it with a cephalosporin under the guidance of a doctor.
Scycyamine
It is often used for gastrointestinal colic, but it should be used with caution in the elderly, especially in elderly men with an enlarged prostate, which may cause prostate congestion and even urinary retention.
warfarin
Warfarin is a commonly used anticoagulant, but because of this, there is a potential risk of bleeding, and the difference between the effective drug concentration and the toxic concentration is small, and it is prone to adverse reactions.
epilogue
As older people's physiology and ability to metabolize drugs decrease, their responses to drugs may be more sensitive and complex. Therefore, when choosing a medication, the elderly should follow the doctor's advice to ensure that the medication is suitable for their physical condition and health status.
Resources:
[1] These 10 commonly used drugs are at high risk for the elderly to use on their own, so you must know it!
[2] Advice: These 5 commonly used medicines should be used with caution by the elderly
[3] 10 commonly used and risky drugs for the elderly!
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