represent an essential component of a quality medical education. Some important points to consider, with the purpose of improving the quality of prescriptions in the geriatric population, are: to conduct an integral assessment of patients, in the medical, functional, mental and social aspects;to use medications of proven efficacy, known toxicity and with experience of use in the geriatric population, to periodically review medications prescribed by different doctors, including dosage and length; to avoid unnecessary medication; periodical monitoring and evaluation of therapeutic objectives and whether or not these are properly being met; prescribe medications with fewer adverse reactions and interactions; choose medications with easily recognizable presentations and administration intervals which allow
for adequate compliance; search for the minimum effective
dosage and increase progressively if necessary, as well as
educate the patient and personnel responsible for their care
on the proper administration, which avoids self-medication