PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J C Buffum

Publications and source records attributed to J C Buffum.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the elderly.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in the elderly for the treatment of fever, pain, pain associated with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, neuromuscular disorders, headache, and musculoskeletal conditions. Each year in the United States, people spend 5 to 10 billion dollars to purchase prescription and over-the-counter NSAIDs. Gastrointestinal side effects such as ulcers and bleeding are the most prevalent and life-threatening problems associated with NSAIDs. Specifically in the elderly, NSAIDs have become a leading cause of hospitalization and may increase the risk of death from ulceration more than 4-fold. NSAIDs and the new class of cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective NSAIDs continue as drugs of choice for analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects. Physiological changes of aging worsen the side-effect profile of NSAIDs in the elderly. These side effects, when added to the increased potential for drug interactions, lead to a much greater risk for adverse outcomes when NSAIDs are used in the elderly patient. The similarities and differences in the NSAID agents warrant review in light of the newer drugs--celecoxib and rofecoxib--with their expected improvement in gastrointestinal side effects. This article reviews current information about using NSAIDs in elderly persons.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The psychopharmacologic treatment of depression in elders.

Elders are at risk for depression from a variety of causes. Declining physical health or medical condition, loss of friends and family, adjustment to retirement, medication interactions or side effects, or a major depressive episode are possible causes of depression. The antidepressants available include TCAs, MAOIs, SSRIs, and the newer atypical medications. The selection of the appropriate drug for the particular person should be based on prior successful treatment with the medication, family history, medical conditions, and other medications. Side effects may be dose-related and must be closely monitored; they can be unpleasant and dangerous. "Start low and go slow" is the best practice for dosing antidepressants in elders. Nursing concerns include assessing and monitoring physical, emotional, and social changes, and patient and family education.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Overdose of 2.3 grams of intravenous methamphetamine: case, analysis and patient perspective.

The patient-reported toxicity of an overdose of intravenous methamphetamine is described. The authors report the case of a 34-year old man who inadvertently injected himself with approximately 2.3 grams of methamphetamine. The patient reported disorientation, hallucinations, hyperthermia, photophobia, orthostasis and extreme ataxia. He recovered in seven days without apparent sequelae. The case demonstrates the unusual, temporary neurophysiologic consequences of high-dose intravenous methamphetamine.

3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine↗