Cardiovascular Drug Therapy in the Elderly

Cardiovascular diseases of various etiologies are most prevalent in the elderly, and there are many pharmacologic issues that need to be considered when prescribing drug therapies to this population. Aging itself alters the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of many drugs. Certain drugs, such as digoxin, lidocaine, and warfarin, need to be used with great caution in older patients because of a greater potential for drug toxicity. Elderly patients often are prescribed multiple drugs for different conditions, making them susceptible to major drug-drug interactions. Recommendations are provided to help ensure safe prescribing practices of cardiac drugs in older patients.