The American journal of geriatric pharmacotherapy
-
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Dec 2010
ReviewTreatment of skin and soft tissue infections in the elderly: A review.
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) have become the second most common type of infection among persons residing in long-term care facilities. ⋯ A search of the literature did not identify any prospective clinical trials on the treatment of SSTIs in the elderly; therefore, it is recommended to follow treatment based on the current IDSA guidelines. More research and publications are needed to establish proper selection of antimicrobial agents, treatment strategies, and duration of therapy of SSTIs in the elderly population.
-
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Dec 2010
Comparative StudyAlbuterol and levalbuterol use and spending in Medicare beneficiaries with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The evidence for the benefits of branded levalbuterol over generic albuterol in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is inconclusive. However, there are significant cost differences between these products. ⋯ In this sample of Medicare beneficiaries with COPD enrolled in Part D, mean annual spending in 2006 was significantly higher for levalbuterol than for albuterol. The differences between levalbuterol and albuterol users in terms of patient characteristics, geographic region, and drug formulation/device type, coupled with the inconclusive evidence for efficacy differences in the literature, highlight the need for further comparative clinical and cost-effectiveness studies of these agents.
-
Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Dec 2010
ReviewA review of laxative therapies for treatment of chronic constipation in older adults.
Multiple studies have addressed the treatment of chronic constipation in adults in general; however, less guidance is available for treating this condition in older patients. ⋯ Higher-quality trials evaluating the treatment of constipation in older patients are needed to create a basis for more definitive recommendations in this population. The approach to older adults with constipation should be individualized.