By JOHN LANGONE

hanges that occur with aging often escape notice, including new problems with the kidneys, the liver and other organs. And any number of the organs can create problems when certain drugs are taken.

Some medicines also simply cause a stronger effect in older adults than in younger people, and that difference means that older people have a greater chance of developing side effects from medication. Compounding the problem is that older people often take more than one drug, increasing the likelihood of bad drug interactions and side effects.

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This easy-to-follow comprehensive guide gives detailed descriptions of all the maladies common to older people. The book covers prescription and over-the-counter medicines and shows how growing older affects the way each one works.

Of special value are the book's sections on drug interactions that, while not all serious, can be dangerous.

For example, the authors point to research that suggests that a substance in grapefruit blocks an intestinal enzyme that controls how much medicine is absorbed by the body. When the enzyme is blocked, more medication is absorbed, and side effects are increased.

Since new interactions are sometimes identified after a medication becomes available, the authors strongly advise that patients consult with a doctor or other professional before mixing anything.