USAGE OF NSAIDs AND ITS DRUG INTERACTION WITH OTHER CONCURRENTLY PRESCRIBED DRUGS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS
Dhiren Chaudhari*, Dr. I. S. Anand and Dr. Hiren Chaudhary
ABSTRACT
As the population ages, care of older patients is becoming increasingly important. With age comes an increased incidence of chronic disease and disabilities, often accompanied by pain. Pain control is fundamental to maintaining quality of life, and NSAIDs are commonly prescribed for control of pain and inflammation in elderly patients. It is a highly effective drug class for pain and inflammation; however, NSAIDs are known for multiple adverse effects, including GI bleeding, cardiovascular side effects, and NSAID induced nephrotoxicity. The presence of polypharmacy is more frequent among those who reported diseases of the circulatory system, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and diseases of the digestive tract which are more common in elderly population and also increases the chances of drug interaction. Self- medication is highly prevalent in elderly people who are unaware of risks involved. However, self-medication may leads to unwanted consequences due to interactions with the prescribed drug therapy for chronic diseases. Knowledge on the part of doctors as well as patients about self-medication practices would help in reducing the chances of any untoward consequences. It is the duty of pharmacist to provide these types of knowledge to doctors as well as patient.
Keywords: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Cyclooxygenase, Prescription pattern, Polypharmacy, Drug interaction, Self medication.
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