Ronald Otto

Polypharmacy and pain treatment

SummaryPain is a frequent symptom in clinical practice. Elderly and chronically ill patients are particularly affected. On account of the high prevalence of polypharmacy among these patients, pharmacological pain therapy becomes a challenge for physicians. Drug side effects and drug–drug interactions have to be taken into account so as to minimize the health risk for these patients. Especially the group of NSAID has a high risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. The gastrointestinal, the cardiovascular, the renal and the coagulation system are particularly affected. Except for the toxic effect on the liver (in a high dose) Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has similar risks, to a minor degree, though. According to current data Metamizol is actually better than its reputation. The risk of potential drug interactions seems to be low. Beside the risk of sedation in combination with other drugs, Tramadol and other opioids such as Pethidin may induce the Serotonin syndrome. In order to avoid dangerous drug interactions and adverse side effects in the case of polypharmacy, it is recommended to prefer individual choices instead of sticking to the pain management as proposed by the WHO.ZusammenfassungSchmerzen betreffen besonders ältere und chronisch kranke Bevölkerungsgruppen. Häufig findet sich die Schmerztherapie als Ergänzung zu einer bereits bestehenden Polypharmazie. Neben unerwünschten Arzneimittelwirkungen sind es vor allem Interaktionen, welche es zu beachten gibt. Die Gruppe der nichtsteriodalen Antirheumatika (NSAR) hat das größte Gefahrenpotential. Im Vordergrund stehen gastrointestinale, kardiovaskuläre und renale Effekte sowie Wirkungen auf das Gerinnungssystem. Paracetamol hat neben der bekannten (in hohen Dosen) toxischen Wirkung auf die Leber, ähnliche Interaktionen wie die NSAR, allerdings in einem geringeren Ausmaß. Metamizol ist nach der aktuellen Studienlage besser als sein Ruf, das Interaktionspotential ist als gering anzusehen. Im Bezug auf Tramadol sowie auch einige stark wirksame Opioide (insbesondere Pethidin) sind vor allen das Serotonin-Syndrom und die ZNS dämpfende Wirkung zu nennen. Auf Grund des erheblichen Gefahrenpotentials bei einer bestehenden Polypharmazie ist es in vielen Fällen ratsam, bei der Auswahl der Analgetika vom WHO-Stufenschema in der Schmerzbehandlung abzusehen.Pain is a frequent symptom in clinical practice. Elderly and chronically ill patients are particularly affected. On account of the high prevalence of polypharmacy among these patients, pharmacological pain therapy becomes a challenge for physicians. Drug side effects and drug-drug interactions have to be taken into account so as to minimize the health risk for these patients. Especially the group of NSAID has a high risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. The gastrointestinal, the cardiovascular, the renal and the coagulation system are particularly affected. Except for the toxic effect on the liver (in a high dose) Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has similar risks, to a minor degree, though. According to current data Metamizol is actually better than its reputation. The risk of potential drug interactions seems to be low. Beside the risk of sedation in combination with other drugs, Tramadol and other opioids such as Pethidin may induce the Serotonin syndrome. In order to avoid dangerous drug interactions and adverse side effects in the case of polypharmacy, it is recommended to prefer individual choices instead of sticking to the pain management as proposed by the WHO.

Polypharmazie und Schmerztherapie

SummaryPain is a frequent symptom in clinical practice. Elderly and chronically ill patients are particularly affected. On account of the high prevalence of polypharmacy among these patients, pharmacological pain therapy becomes a challenge for physicians. Drug side effects and drug–drug interactions have to be taken into account so as to minimize the health risk for these patients. Especially the group of NSAID has a high risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. The gastrointestinal, the cardiovascular, the renal and the coagulation system are particularly affected. Except for the toxic effect on the liver (in a high dose) Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has similar risks, to a minor degree, though. According to current data Metamizol is actually better than its reputation. The risk of potential drug interactions seems to be low. Beside the risk of sedation in combination with other drugs, Tramadol and other opioids such as Pethidin may induce the Serotonin syndrome. In order to avoid dangerous drug interactions and adverse side effects in the case of polypharmacy, it is recommended to prefer individual choices instead of sticking to the pain management as proposed by the WHO.ZusammenfassungSchmerzen betreffen besonders ältere und chronisch kranke Bevölkerungsgruppen. Häufig findet sich die Schmerztherapie als Ergänzung zu einer bereits bestehenden Polypharmazie. Neben unerwünschten Arzneimittelwirkungen sind es vor allem Interaktionen, welche es zu beachten gibt. Die Gruppe der nichtsteriodalen Antirheumatika (NSAR) hat das größte Gefahrenpotential. Im Vordergrund stehen gastrointestinale, kardiovaskuläre und renale Effekte sowie Wirkungen auf das Gerinnungssystem. Paracetamol hat neben der bekannten (in hohen Dosen) toxischen Wirkung auf die Leber, ähnliche Interaktionen wie die NSAR, allerdings in einem geringeren Ausmaß. Metamizol ist nach der aktuellen Studienlage besser als sein Ruf, das Interaktionspotential ist als gering anzusehen. Im Bezug auf Tramadol sowie auch einige stark wirksame Opioide (insbesondere Pethidin) sind vor allen das Serotonin-Syndrom und die ZNS dämpfende Wirkung zu nennen. Auf Grund des erheblichen Gefahrenpotentials bei einer bestehenden Polypharmazie ist es in vielen Fällen ratsam, bei der Auswahl der Analgetika vom WHO-Stufenschema in der Schmerzbehandlung abzusehen.Pain is a frequent symptom in clinical practice. Elderly and chronically ill patients are particularly affected. On account of the high prevalence of polypharmacy among these patients, pharmacological pain therapy becomes a challenge for physicians. Drug side effects and drug-drug interactions have to be taken into account so as to minimize the health risk for these patients. Especially the group of NSAID has a high risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. The gastrointestinal, the cardiovascular, the renal and the coagulation system are particularly affected. Except for the toxic effect on the liver (in a high dose) Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has similar risks, to a minor degree, though. According to current data Metamizol is actually better than its reputation. The risk of potential drug interactions seems to be low. Beside the risk of sedation in combination with other drugs, Tramadol and other opioids such as Pethidin may induce the Serotonin syndrome. In order to avoid dangerous drug interactions and adverse side effects in the case of polypharmacy, it is recommended to prefer individual choices instead of sticking to the pain management as proposed by the WHO.

Polypharmazie in der Kardiologie – ein beachtliches Problem bei Synkopen, QT-Zeit-Verlängerung, Bradykardie und Tachykardie

SummaryQuality improvement in cardiology over the past decade focused on management of acute coronary syndrome with invasive and innovative medical therapies, optimizing treatment of congestive heart failure and the development of repair procedures in valvular heart disease. On the other hand cardiologist and the attendant physicians are confronted with changes in the characteristics of patients in the light of demographic facts. Comorbidity and polypharmacy raise the need for clear concepts. Therapeutic and diagnostic tools of geriatric medicine may help in that context.ZusammenfassungSpektakuläre Innovationen prägen das Fachgebiet der Kardiologie im letzten Dezennium. Das Management des akuten Koronarsyndroms mit invasiven und medikamentösen Methoden, die Behandlung der Herzinsuffizienz und die Klappenersatzoperationen wurden zum Wohle der betroffenen Patienten verbessert. Gleichzeitig sind Kardiologen und alle betreuenden Ärzte mit einem Wandel der Patientencharakteristik konfrontiert. Begleiterkrankungen, Multimorbidität und die damit einhergehende Problematik der Polypharmazie erfordern klare Konzepte. Diagnostische und therapeutische Ansätze der geriatrischen Medizin bieten Ansätze zur Optimierung des therapeutischen Vorgehens in dieser Situation.Quality improvement in cardiology over the past decade focused on management of acute coronary syndrome with invasive and innovative medical therapies, optimizing treatment of congestive heart failure and the development of repair procedures in valvular heart disease. On the other hand cardiologist and the attendant physicians are confronted with changes in the characteristics of patients in the light of demographic facts. Comorbidity and polypharmacy raise the need for clear concepts. Therapeutic and diagnostic tools of geriatric medicine may help in that context.

Medikamenten-induzierte Delirien älterer Menschen

Drugs have been widely associated with the development of delirium in the elderly and represent the most common reversible cause of this condition. This is of importance since successful treatment depends on identifying the reversible contributing factors. Medications with anticholinergic properties, tranquilizers, analgesics and narcotics are common causes of drug-induced delirium. This article provides practical approach to prevent and recognise this condition, reviews the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances and reconsiders age-related changes of pharmacological effects, which may contribute to the development of delirium.SummaryDrugs have been widely associated with the development of delirium in the elderly and represent the most common reversible cause of this condition. This is of importance since successful treatment depends on identifying the reversible contributing factors. Medications with anticholinergic properties, tranquilizers, analgesics and narcotics are common causes of drug-induced delirium. This article provides practical approach to prevent and recognise this condition, reviews the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances and reconsiders age-related changes of pharmacological effects, which may contribute to the development of delirium.ZusammenfassungMedikamente sind häufige Auslöser von Delirien älterer Menschen und stellen dabei die häufigste reversible Ursache dar – dies ist von besonderer Bedeutung, da die Identifikation auslösender Faktoren die Grundlage einer erfolgreichen Therapie darstellt. Anticholinerg wirksame Medikamente, Tranquilizer, Schmerzmittel und Narkotika sind geläufige Auslöser von Delirien. Dieser Artikel bietet eine klinisch orientierte Übersicht über Prävention und Diagnose pharmakogener Delirien. Neben altersassoziierten Veränderungen der Pharmakologie werden die zu Grunde liegenden pathophysiologischen Mechanismen vor dem Hintergrund der involvierten Neurotransmitter dargestellt.

Polypharmazie und Stürze im Alter

Falls and their consequences are a major problem in geriatric medicine. Main causes are the combination of age-related physiological changes with multimorbidity and subsequent polypharmacy. Elderly patients are more susceptible to adverse drug effects and have less compensatory capacity than younger adults. Therefore careful monitoring of side effects is indicated and prescribing for elderly patients calls for alertness in order to identify symptoms as possible adverse drug effects.SummaryFalls and their consequences are a major problem in geriatric medicine. Main causes are the combination of age-related physiological changes with multimorbidity and subsequent polypharmacy. Elderly patients are more susceptible to adverse drug effects and have less compensatory capacity than younger adults. Therefore careful monitoring of side effects is indicated and prescribing for elderly patients calls for alertness in order to identify symptoms as possible adverse drug effects.ZusammenfassungStürze und ihre Folgen gehören zu den Hauptproblemen der Geriatrie. Neben altersphysiologischen Veränderungen spielt Multimorbidität und die sich daraus ergebende Polypharmazie dabei eine wesentliche Rolle. Ältere Menschen zeigen eine erhöhte Empfindlichkeit für Nebenwirkungen und eine verminderte Kompensationsfähigkeit in der Aufrechterhaltung der Homöostase. Deshalb ist eine erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit für mögliche unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen oder Interaktionen und eine verstärkte begleitende Kontrolle notwendiger Dauermedikation notwendig.

[Drug-related delirium in elderly patients].

Drugs have been widely associated with the development of delirium in the elderly and represent the most common reversible cause of this condition. This is of importance since successful treatment depends on identifying the reversible contributing factors. Medications with anticholinergic properties, tranquilizers, analgesics and narcotics are common causes of drug-induced delirium. This article provides practical approach to prevent and recognise this condition, reviews the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances and reconsiders age-related changes of pharmacological effects, which may contribute to the development of delirium.SummaryDrugs have been widely associated with the development of delirium in the elderly and represent the most common reversible cause of this condition. This is of importance since successful treatment depends on identifying the reversible contributing factors. Medications with anticholinergic properties, tranquilizers, analgesics and narcotics are common causes of drug-induced delirium. This article provides practical approach to prevent and recognise this condition, reviews the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances and reconsiders age-related changes of pharmacological effects, which may contribute to the development of delirium.ZusammenfassungMedikamente sind häufige Auslöser von Delirien älterer Menschen und stellen dabei die häufigste reversible Ursache dar – dies ist von besonderer Bedeutung, da die Identifikation auslösender Faktoren die Grundlage einer erfolgreichen Therapie darstellt. Anticholinerg wirksame Medikamente, Tranquilizer, Schmerzmittel und Narkotika sind geläufige Auslöser von Delirien. Dieser Artikel bietet eine klinisch orientierte Übersicht über Prävention und Diagnose pharmakogener Delirien. Neben altersassoziierten Veränderungen der Pharmakologie werden die zu Grunde liegenden pathophysiologischen Mechanismen vor dem Hintergrund der involvierten Neurotransmitter dargestellt.

Polypharmacy and falls in the Elderly

Falls and their consequences are a major problem in geriatric medicine. Main causes are the combination of age-related physiological changes with multimorbidity and subsequent polypharmacy. Elderly patients are more susceptible to adverse drug effects and have less compensatory capacity than younger adults. Therefore careful monitoring of side effects is indicated and prescribing for elderly patients calls for alertness in order to identify symptoms as possible adverse drug effects.SummaryFalls and their consequences are a major problem in geriatric medicine. Main causes are the combination of age-related physiological changes with multimorbidity and subsequent polypharmacy. Elderly patients are more susceptible to adverse drug effects and have less compensatory capacity than younger adults. Therefore careful monitoring of side effects is indicated and prescribing for elderly patients calls for alertness in order to identify symptoms as possible adverse drug effects.ZusammenfassungStürze und ihre Folgen gehören zu den Hauptproblemen der Geriatrie. Neben altersphysiologischen Veränderungen spielt Multimorbidität und die sich daraus ergebende Polypharmazie dabei eine wesentliche Rolle. Ältere Menschen zeigen eine erhöhte Empfindlichkeit für Nebenwirkungen und eine verminderte Kompensationsfähigkeit in der Aufrechterhaltung der Homöostase. Deshalb ist eine erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit für mögliche unerwünschte Nebenwirkungen oder Interaktionen und eine verstärkte begleitende Kontrolle notwendiger Dauermedikation notwendig.

Polypharmacy is of major concern in cardiology

SummaryQuality improvement in cardiology over the past decade focused on management of acute coronary syndrome with invasive and innovative medical therapies, optimizing treatment of congestive heart failure and the development of repair procedures in valvular heart disease. On the other hand cardiologist and the attendant physicians are confronted with changes in the characteristics of patients in the light of demographic facts. Comorbidity and polypharmacy raise the need for clear concepts. Therapeutic and diagnostic tools of geriatric medicine may help in that context.ZusammenfassungSpektakuläre Innovationen prägen das Fachgebiet der Kardiologie im letzten Dezennium. Das Management des akuten Koronarsyndroms mit invasiven und medikamentösen Methoden, die Behandlung der Herzinsuffizienz und die Klappenersatzoperationen wurden zum Wohle der betroffenen Patienten verbessert. Gleichzeitig sind Kardiologen und alle betreuenden Ärzte mit einem Wandel der Patientencharakteristik konfrontiert. Begleiterkrankungen, Multimorbidität und die damit einhergehende Problematik der Polypharmazie erfordern klare Konzepte. Diagnostische und therapeutische Ansätze der geriatrischen Medizin bieten Ansätze zur Optimierung des therapeutischen Vorgehens in dieser Situation.Quality improvement in cardiology over the past decade focused on management of acute coronary syndrome with invasive and innovative medical therapies, optimizing treatment of congestive heart failure and the development of repair procedures in valvular heart disease. On the other hand cardiologist and the attendant physicians are confronted with changes in the characteristics of patients in the light of demographic facts. Comorbidity and polypharmacy raise the need for clear concepts. Therapeutic and diagnostic tools of geriatric medicine may help in that context.

Polypharmazie in der Kardiologie – ein beachtliches Problem bei Synkopen, QT-Zeit-Verlängerung, Bradykardie und Tachykardie@@@Polypharmacy is of major concern in cardiology

SummaryQuality improvement in cardiology over the past decade focused on management of acute coronary syndrome with invasive and innovative medical therapies, optimizing treatment of congestive heart failure and the development of repair procedures in valvular heart disease. On the other hand cardiologist and the attendant physicians are confronted with changes in the characteristics of patients in the light of demographic facts. Comorbidity and polypharmacy raise the need for clear concepts. Therapeutic and diagnostic tools of geriatric medicine may help in that context.ZusammenfassungSpektakuläre Innovationen prägen das Fachgebiet der Kardiologie im letzten Dezennium. Das Management des akuten Koronarsyndroms mit invasiven und medikamentösen Methoden, die Behandlung der Herzinsuffizienz und die Klappenersatzoperationen wurden zum Wohle der betroffenen Patienten verbessert. Gleichzeitig sind Kardiologen und alle betreuenden Ärzte mit einem Wandel der Patientencharakteristik konfrontiert. Begleiterkrankungen, Multimorbidität und die damit einhergehende Problematik der Polypharmazie erfordern klare Konzepte. Diagnostische und therapeutische Ansätze der geriatrischen Medizin bieten Ansätze zur Optimierung des therapeutischen Vorgehens in dieser Situation.Quality improvement in cardiology over the past decade focused on management of acute coronary syndrome with invasive and innovative medical therapies, optimizing treatment of congestive heart failure and the development of repair procedures in valvular heart disease. On the other hand cardiologist and the attendant physicians are confronted with changes in the characteristics of patients in the light of demographic facts. Comorbidity and polypharmacy raise the need for clear concepts. Therapeutic and diagnostic tools of geriatric medicine may help in that context.

Polypharmazie und Schmerztherapie@@@Polypharmacy and pain treatment

SummaryPain is a frequent symptom in clinical practice. Elderly and chronically ill patients are particularly affected. On account of the high prevalence of polypharmacy among these patients, pharmacological pain therapy becomes a challenge for physicians. Drug side effects and drug–drug interactions have to be taken into account so as to minimize the health risk for these patients. Especially the group of NSAID has a high risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. The gastrointestinal, the cardiovascular, the renal and the coagulation system are particularly affected. Except for the toxic effect on the liver (in a high dose) Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has similar risks, to a minor degree, though. According to current data Metamizol is actually better than its reputation. The risk of potential drug interactions seems to be low. Beside the risk of sedation in combination with other drugs, Tramadol and other opioids such as Pethidin may induce the Serotonin syndrome. In order to avoid dangerous drug interactions and adverse side effects in the case of polypharmacy, it is recommended to prefer individual choices instead of sticking to the pain management as proposed by the WHO.ZusammenfassungSchmerzen betreffen besonders ältere und chronisch kranke Bevölkerungsgruppen. Häufig findet sich die Schmerztherapie als Ergänzung zu einer bereits bestehenden Polypharmazie. Neben unerwünschten Arzneimittelwirkungen sind es vor allem Interaktionen, welche es zu beachten gibt. Die Gruppe der nichtsteriodalen Antirheumatika (NSAR) hat das größte Gefahrenpotential. Im Vordergrund stehen gastrointestinale, kardiovaskuläre und renale Effekte sowie Wirkungen auf das Gerinnungssystem. Paracetamol hat neben der bekannten (in hohen Dosen) toxischen Wirkung auf die Leber, ähnliche Interaktionen wie die NSAR, allerdings in einem geringeren Ausmaß. Metamizol ist nach der aktuellen Studienlage besser als sein Ruf, das Interaktionspotential ist als gering anzusehen. Im Bezug auf Tramadol sowie auch einige stark wirksame Opioide (insbesondere Pethidin) sind vor allen das Serotonin-Syndrom und die ZNS dämpfende Wirkung zu nennen. Auf Grund des erheblichen Gefahrenpotentials bei einer bestehenden Polypharmazie ist es in vielen Fällen ratsam, bei der Auswahl der Analgetika vom WHO-Stufenschema in der Schmerzbehandlung abzusehen.Pain is a frequent symptom in clinical practice. Elderly and chronically ill patients are particularly affected. On account of the high prevalence of polypharmacy among these patients, pharmacological pain therapy becomes a challenge for physicians. Drug side effects and drug-drug interactions have to be taken into account so as to minimize the health risk for these patients. Especially the group of NSAID has a high risk of adverse drug reactions and drug interactions. The gastrointestinal, the cardiovascular, the renal and the coagulation system are particularly affected. Except for the toxic effect on the liver (in a high dose) Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has similar risks, to a minor degree, though. According to current data Metamizol is actually better than its reputation. The risk of potential drug interactions seems to be low. Beside the risk of sedation in combination with other drugs, Tramadol and other opioids such as Pethidin may induce the Serotonin syndrome. In order to avoid dangerous drug interactions and adverse side effects in the case of polypharmacy, it is recommended to prefer individual choices instead of sticking to the pain management as proposed by the WHO.