Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique
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Elderly patients are the most important target group of pharmacotherapy. Older individuals often suffer from multiple co-morbidities, which often results in polypharmacy. A therapy based on guidelines can be problematic and is only rarely examined in clinical trials of elderly patients. ⋯ The use of these tools is considered to be potentially useful in improving the quality of drug therapy for elderly people. Further, a regular medication review is recommended. The determination of the renal function, which is often limited in the elderly, resulting in a required dose adjustment of the medication as well as the choice of a low initial dose when starting a new drug in the elderly may also contribute to increased medication safety.