Pharmacotherapy 18
Geriatrics
Card 1 of 11Aging & PK
ð Chapter Opening
ðī
Start low, go slow
Optimizing Pharmacotherapy in Older Adults
Aging alters pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, increasing sensitivity to many drugs.
Older adults have reduced renal clearance, more body fat (higher Vd for lipophilic drugs), less lean mass/water, and heightened CNS sensitivity. The mantra is 'start low, go slow'.
Key changes
Down: renal clearance, lean mass, albumin. Up: body fat, CNS sensitivity. Estimate renal function - creatinine can look 'normal' with low muscle mass.