Chapter 13 Pharm

high perscription drug use in the older adult population

reduce symptoms and improve quality of life

altered GI absorption is not a major factor in drug sensitvity
% of oral dose that is absorbed does not change with age
rate of absorption may slow with age

increased % of body fat-storage depot for lipid soluble drugs
decrease % of lean body mass
decrease total body water
reduced concentration of serum albumin

Hepatic metabolism declines with age
reduced hepatic blood flow, reduced liver mass, and decreased hepatic enzymes
half life may increase

renal function progressive decline
drug accumulation due to reduced renal excretion is most important cause of adverse drug reactions

use creatinine clearance rather than serum creatinine to assess

7 times more likely in the elderly
account for 16% of hospital admissions
50% of medication-related deaths
dizziness and cognitive impairment are most common

monitor the pt response and plasma drug levels