Key result
Age-related physiologic declines alter pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variables, increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions and complicating drug therapy in the elderly.
This review highlights the physiological changes in aging that alter pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, emphasizing the need for careful drug therapy management in the elderly.
Age-related PK/PD changes heighten ADR risk in elderly patients; leaves open evidence-based dosing strategies for many agents.
The elderly comprise one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. By the year 2020, an estimated 45 million will be classified as elderly. Aging is a highly variable process as declines occur in physiologic functions. Alterations in cardiovascular, renal and hepatic function have the greatest effect on drug therapy. All pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variables may be altered by age. Adverse drug reactions, drug interactions and poor compliance are frequent and may further complicate drug therapy. A review of those processes that commonly influence pharmacologic response and patient compliance to drug therapy is appropriate.
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Pucino et al. (1985) conducted a review in Elderly patients receiving drug therapy. Drug therapy in the elderly was evaluated. Age-related physiologic declines alter pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variables, increasing the risk of adverse drug reactions and complicating drug therapy in the elderly.
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