- Obtain and update regularly a listing of all medications being used by the patient
- Be aware of current and relevant past medical problems
- Periodically review the appropriateness of the patient's medication regimen and try to perform a "therapeutic débridement"
- With any new problem:
- Consider an adverse drug reaction as a cause
- Consider nonpharmacologic approaches first
- If a new drug is prescribed, ensure that:
- There is an indication for it
- It is effective for the condition
- The dose is correct for an older patient ("start low and go slow")
- You take time for patient education: the directions for the patient must be correct, practical and understood
- There are no clinically significant drug–drug interactions or drug–disease interactions
- There is no unnecessary duplication of drugs
- The duration is appropriate
- It is the least expensive alternative compared to others of equal utility
- There is no less toxic or otherwise more appropriate alternative
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