Etusivulle

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

The weight of the liver decreases
The blood flow decreases
  • The weight of liver and blood flow decrease -> first pass metabolism slows down, the bioavailability of drugs metabolized by the liver (e.g. labetalol) increases and the effectiveness of prodrugs (e.g. enalapril, codeine) decreases
Homeostatic mechanisms weaken
  • Homeostatic mechanisms weaken -> for example, blood pressure medications cause postural hypotension more easily
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.