Management of Upper Respiratory Infections in Elderly Patients with Comorbidities

Special Considerations for Elderly Patients with Comorbidities

• The American Geriatrics Society recommends calculating creatinine clearance before prescribing any medications in elderly patients, as they often have reduced renal function requiring dose adjustments 1
• The European Urology guidelines suggest reviewing all current medications for potential drug interactions in elderly patients with comorbidities, as they typically take multiple medications 2
• The American Geriatrics Society advises avoiding anticholinergic antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, as they increase the risk of cognitive impairment and confusion in the elderly 2
• The European Urology guidelines recommend monitoring hydration status closely in elderly patients, as they are at higher risk for dehydration 1
• The American College of Physicians suggests performing repeated assessments if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop in elderly patients with comorbidities 3, 1
• The American Geriatrics Society recommends adjusting dosing of antibiotics based on calculated creatinine clearance and monitoring for adverse effects in elderly patients with comorbidities 1
• The European Urology guidelines advise against prescribing antibiotics for nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, malaise, or mild confusion in elderly patients, as these are common viral URI symptoms and do not indicate bacterial infection requiring antibiotics 3, 4