Etusivulle

Changes in the body that occur with aging 15,16,17

Weight and the water content of the body decreases
Fat content of the body increases
  • Weight decreases, water content of the body decreases and fat content increases -> the concentration of water-soluble drugs (e.g. digoxin) increases, the half-life of fat-soluble drugs (e.g. diazepam) increases
Kideny function deteriorates
Glomerular filtration (GFR) decreases
  • Kidney function deteriorates, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreases -> excretion of drugs that are eliminated through the kidneys (e.g. digoxin, lithium, anti-inflammatory drugs) slows down, the concentration increases and the risk of adverse effects increases
Previous References

15.Turnheim K. Drug therapy in the elderly. Exp Gerontol 2004;39:1731-8. Review

16. Mangoni AA, Jackson SH. Age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: basic principles and practical applications. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2004;57:6-14.

17. Boparai MK, Korc-Grodzicki B. Prescribing for older adults. Mt Sinai J Med 2011;78:613-26.