BMJ  2008;336:606-609 (15 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39503.424653.80

Clinical Review

Prescribing for older people

James C Milton, specialist registrar in geriatric and general medicine 1, Ian Hill-Smith, general practitioner2, Stephen H D Jackson, professor of clinical gerontology1

1 Clinical Age Research Unit, Department of Clinical Gerontology, King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust, London SE5 9PJ, 2 Stopsley Group Practice, Churchfield Medical Centre, Luton LU2 9SB

Correspondence to: J C Milton jim_milton@hotmail.com

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.


Prescribing for older people is problematic
Older people are often prescribed unnecessary drugs, drugs that are contraindicated in their age group, or the wrong dose for their age
Misconceptions about age may prevent them being given drugs with a specific indication and evidence base
Inappropriate prescribing may be reduced by reviewing drugs regularly, electronic prescribing, regular auditing, and limiting the number of prescribers


About a fifth of the population in the United Kingdom is 60 years or older,1 yet people in this age group receive 59% of dispensed prescriptions and account for more than half of NHS drug costs.2 Older people often have several coexisting medical problems and take multiple drugs. Increasing age is associated with changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, so prescribing in this age group can be problematic.3

Many randomised controlled trials involving older patients focus on managing a single disease state, such as hypertension or osteoporosis, but . . . [Full text of this article]

Quantitative indicators
Qualitative indicators
Evidence based indicators

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