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Background/Research Findings
Older people consume a
disproportionate amount of both prescription and over-the-counter
medications. Prescription and nonprescription medication use among
the elderly increases with age. The use of over-the-counter
medications as an alternative to prescription medication has also
become more prevalent among the aged. Many medicines that were
previously only available by prescription are now available
over-the-counter and older people have a poorer understanding of
them and their purpose, a problem which may lead to misuse
(Espino,130).
Doctors and
Medical Staff Should Be Aware of the Following:
- The elderly prefer to use the
Spanish language and home remedies, thus older Hispanics are at
an increased risk for adverse drug reactions, drug interactions,
and reactions owing to noncompliance with established drug
regimens.
- Older Hispanics also rely more
on informal family systems for advice on medication usage.
- Older Hispanics, owing to
educational differences, may also be unable to understand
written instructions concerning medications, or read
prescriptions, as compared with older non-Hispanics.
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