2020/03/26 by Peter Walger, Walger, Peter, Hans Jürgen Heppner +1
Immunology and Microbiology · Medicine · #610 Medical sciences #Antibiotic Use and Resistance #Antibiotics Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy #Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders #Medicine
paper · doi:10.3205/id000049
openalex publication_date 2020/03/26 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27
updated version. The German guideline by the Paul-Ehrlich-Gesellschaft für Chemotherapie e.V. (PEG) has been translated to address an international audience. Multimorbidity, an atypical symptomatology of infections in combination with multimedication, the associated interaction risks and serious consequences of synergistic side effects characterize the conditions when deciding on the use of antibiotics in old age. Strict decision regarding the indication itself, choice of the best antibiotic even considering rare side effects which may be dangerous in the elderly, determining the correct dose, dosing interval and the shortest possible duration according to the physiological status of the patient as well as monitoring effectiveness and toxicity detect expected and unexpected side effects early. Recommendations must reflect the peculiarities of antibiotic treatment in elderly patients.