Browse Prescribing Notes by Therapeutic Subcategory

For topical antibiotics see Skin infections (topicals) section.
For systemic antibiotics see Bacterial infections section.
For nutritional support products see Formulas/metabolic disorders section.
For systemic pain medications see Nonnarcotic and Narcotic analgesics sections.
For topical analgesics see Topical analgesics/anesthetics section.
For incontinence drugs see Overactive bladder/enuresis section.

Impaired mobility, paralysis, sensory loss and malnutrition are common causes of decubitus ulcers in the elderly. Turning and repositioning every two hours is the cornerstone to the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcers. Therapeutic regimens include wound cleansers, dressings (eg, hydrocolloid occlusive dressings, wet to dry dressings), spasticity treatments (eg, diazepam, baclofen). Antibiotics may be necessary for the treatment of bacterial contamination or colonization. Urinary or fecal diversion agents are used to treat incontinence. Dietary supplementation may be considered after evaluation of the nutritional status of the elderly. Surgical debridement is a treatment option when medical management fails which may necessitate the administration of pain medications. Daily skin care with follow up, frequent repositioning, control of spasticity and maintenance of adequate nutrition are pivotal process to wound healing and decubitus ulcer reoccurrence prevention.