eDruginfo.com - Geriatric Considerations

Clinical Pearls | Geriatric Considerations

Drug Updates

Patient Teaching

Drug Warnings

News Capsules

Herbal Spotlight

Clinical Pearls

       Infusion Therapy
       Geriatric Considerations
       Special Alerts
       Medication Administration

Quik Tools

Drug Info Links

Drug Info Bookstore

Feedback

Registration

Disclaimer

Anticholinergics

Although therapeutically necessary, anticholinergic agents can cause serious adverse effects in geriatric patients. For example, xerostomia may decrease an elderly patient’s desire to eat and increase the risk of oral infections, thus affecting overall nutrient intake. Mydriasis decreases the ability of the eye to accommodate and thus increases the risk of falls. Decreased gastrointestinal motility and constipation may lead to fecal impaction. Tachycardia associated with anticholinergic use may worsen an existing cardiac condition. Hypothermia may occur secondary to poor thermoregulation. Finally, anticholinergic agents may adversely affect the central nervous system by worsening confusion, impairing concentration, and causing dementia.

Home - - Guest Registry - Customer Service