geriatrics
History Taking in the Older Adult
Drug History
The drug history should be recorded, and a copy should be given to patients or their caregiver. It should contain Drugs used Dose Dosing schedule Prescriber Reason for prescribing the drugs Precise nature of any drug allergies All drugs and substances used should be recorded, including Topical drugs (which may be absorbed systemically) Over-the-counter drugs (which can have serious consequences if overused and may interact with prescription drugs) Dietary supplements Medicinal herb preparations (because many can interact adversely with prescription and over-the-counter drugs) Alcohol Caffeine Other recreational drugs (eg, marijuana) Patients or family members should be asked to bring in all of the above drugs and supplements at the initial visit and periodically thereafter. Clinicians can make sure patients have the prescribed drugs, but possession of these drugs does not guarantee adherence. Counting the number of tablets in each vial during the first and subsequent visits may be necessary. If someone other than a patient administers the drugs, that person is interviewed. Patients should be asked to show their ability to read labels (often printed in small type), open containers (especially the child-resistant type), give themselves treatments using a device such as an inhaler, and recognize drugs. Patients should be advised not to put their drugs into one container. 