Co-medications, pre-medication and common diseases in the elderly

Typically, old patients scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure take many medications for various disorders. The anaesthetist must consider the benefits and/or risks of continuation or withdrawal of such chronic medications. This chapter reviews these issues in respect of cardiovascular drugs (calcium channel blockers, beta adrenoreceptor antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists) and of psychotropic and antiparkinson medications and insulin. Focus is put on the few scientific studies available and on the recommendations given by experts in the field.