The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7176 p778-781
1 December 2001

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  Remuneration
  The elderly
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Letters to the Editor

The elderly

Aim for the least complicated regimen

From Mr S. J. Abrahams, MRPharmS

I read with interest the article (PDF* 65K) on improving medicines management in the over 75s (PJ, November 17, p718). I should like to point out that in the elderly, in addition to any physical disabilities that might be present, the problem of short-term memory loss should not be underestimated.

I dispense regular repeat medication for a highly intelligent patient of 89 years with only minor physical weakness. With regard to compliance, I have found that the simplest possible routine should be aimed for, such as once daily medication through the use of sustained release preparations instead of bd or tid doses, wherever possible.

After consultation with the patient's GP, the medication has been amended to a once daily regimen. Each daily dose is put into separate tablet containers clearly marked with the day of the week.

Compliance using this method has been 100 per cent since its inception and the patient is much happier.

I realise that this method is not possible in all cases, but the least complicated regimen should be aimed for.

S. J. Abrahams
Manchester

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