NSAID use in older people

Solomon, 1997

Older people are generally at increased risk of individual NSAID-related adverse effects; for example older age is a risk factor for increased gastrointestinal toxicity with NSAID use, a consideration in the calculation of absolute cardiovascular risk, and a risk factor for NSAID-induced acute kidney injury. Older people are also more likely to have comorbidities and take other drugs that increase their risk of NSAID-related adverse effects.

Assess the need for NSAIDs in older people carefully. NSAIDs with a short half-life are preferred; consider toxicity risks related to the person’s comorbidities. See:

• NSAID use in patients who have an increased risk of gastrointestinal toxicity
• NSAID use in patients who have an increased cardiovascular risk
• NSAID use in patients who have an increased risk of nephrotoxicity.