Anti Psychotic Drugs Linked To Pneumonia In Elderly

Antipsychotic drugs linked to pneumonia in elderly Nursing home patients who take antipsychotic drugs are 60% more likely to develop pneumonia in the short term than those who don't take the drugs, according to a new study reported by "The Washington Post" April 22. The risk is greatest during the first week after patients start taking the medications and gradually decreases, according to Dutch researchers. "The risk of developing pneumonia is not associated with long-term use, but is the highest shortly after starting the drug," said study authors Rob van Marum, M.D., and Wilma Knol, M.D. They warned that "all antipsychotic drugs may be associated with pneumonia in elderly patients." Nursing home patients who take antipsychotic drugs are 60% more likely to develop pneumonia in the short term than those who don't take the drugs, according to a new study reported by "The Washington Post" April 22. The risk is greatest during the first week after patients start taking the medications and gradually decreases, according to Dutch researchers. "The risk of developing pneumonia is not associated with long-term use, but is the highest shortly after starting the drug," said study authors Rob van Marum, M.D., and Wilma Knol, M.D. They warned that "all antipsychotic drugs may be associated with pneumonia in elderly patients."