Which of the following drugs should be monitored for adverse effects when prescribed to elderly patients?

Monitoring for adverse effects is particularly important in elderly patients due to physiological changes that can affect drug metabolism, distribution, and excretion. Nitroglycerin, commonly prescribed for conditions like angina or heart failure, can lead to notable side effects such as hypotension, dizziness, or headaches. Elderly patients are often more sensitive to these effects due to a higher incidence of polypharmacy, where multiple medications can interact, exacerbating side effects.

Elderly individuals may have decreased vascular responsiveness, resulting in exaggerated drops in blood pressure or increased risk of falls when using nitrates like nitroglycerin. With proper monitoring, healthcare providers can adjust dosages or implement alternative therapies to minimize these risks.

While ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and Midrin also require careful consideration due to their potential for adverse effects, nitroglycerin specifically demands closer observation in the elderly population due to its acute nature and risk for severe hypotension, making it the drug that should be particularly monitored.