For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Constipation in the elderly can have particular presentations and added causes
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Gastroenterology
Constipation in the elderly can have particular presentations and added causes
Wednesday 5 June 2019, 03:00 AM

Melanosis coli – the effect of long-term use of stimulant laxatives. This mucosal accumulation of pigment is not known to cause any harm but is a marker of excess use
Constipation affects 16 per cent of adults and 33 per cent of those over 60 years. It has a significant impact on quality of life, work productivity and healthcare resource usage. Auckland gastroenterologist Alan Fraser discusses patient management for this common problem
Idiopathic, slow colonic transit is the main cause of constipation in adults.
Key points
A history of symptoms and medication use, stool fr
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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