Citation

Findley LR, Bulloch MN. Consult. Pharm. 2015; 30(6): 346-351.

Affiliation

Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Cottondale, Alabama, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists)

DOI

10.4140/TCP.n.2015.346

PMID

26048465

Abstract

Approximately 20% to 30% of older adults use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) daily. While some NSAIDs are known to cause adverse central nervous system effects, the risk of falls associated with NSAID use in older adults has not been as closely scrutinized as it has with other pain medications. This article reviews 16 studies evaluating NSAID use by older adults and subsequent fall risk. In the majority of evaluated studies, geriatric patients using NSAIDs had a higher occurrence of falls compared with those not taking NSAIDS. It is important for pharmacists to understand this potential hazard of NSAID use by older adults to minimize the risk of falls by providing patient education, adjusting dosages, discontinuing medications, and closely monitoring patients.

Language: en