Guidelines on Rational Prescribing Practices in the Elderly

The rapid growth of the global aging population brings with it unprecedented challenges and opportunities in healthcare. As older adults increasingly live with multiple chronic conditions, often managed through complex medication regimens, the need for rational prescribing practices becomes ever more critical. The elderly population's unique physiological changes, vulnerabilities to adverse drug reactions, and frequent exposure to polypharmacy demand tailored approaches to ensuring safe, effective, and ethical medication use.

This book provides a roadmap for healthcare professionals to navigate the complexities of prescribing for elderly patients, balancing the need for therapeutic efficacy with the imperative to minimise harm.

Each chapter reflects a wide range of expertise and evidence-based strategies. From understanding the physiological changes that influence drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in aging, to exploring practical tools like the Beers Criteria and STOPP/START frameworks, each section is crafted to enhance clinical decision-making.

The book also examines critical issues such as deprescribing, managing drug–drug interactions, and addressing ethical and legal considerations in elderly care. Nonpharmacological strategies, personalised medication management, and detailed case studies further enrich the text, offering insights into improving the quality of life for older adults.

RK Singal MD (General Medicine) FICP FACP (USA) FIAMS
Dean, Indian College of Physicians; Principal, Consultant and Head, Department of Internal Medicine, BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, India

Jyotirmoy Pal MD FICP FRCP WHO Fellow
Professor, Department of General Medicine, Sagar Dutta Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Santanu K Tripathi MD DM (Clinical Pharmacology)
Former Head, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Arvind Mathur MD FICP
Editor, Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics; Director and Managing Trustee, Asian Centre for Medical Education, Research and Innovation; Chairperson, Caregivers Asha Society; Ex-Principal and Controller, Professor of Medicine, Dr Sampurnanand Medical College (SNMC), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India