Geriatric Drug Metabolism Changes
Explain the physiologic and pathophysiological changes of the geriatric adult that affect drug metabolism.
Physiologic and Pathophysiologic Changes Affecting Drug Metabolism in Geriatric Adults
As adults age, several physiological and pathophysiological changes impact drug metabolism, leading to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. These changes can increase the risk of drug accumulation, adverse effects, and toxicity.
1. Absorption
- Physiologic Changes: Minimal impact on drug absorption, though reduced gastric acid and delayed gastric emptying may slightly alter the absorption of certain medications (e.g., calcium carbonate, iron).
- Pathophysiologic Impact: Some chronic conditions (e.g., atrophic gastritis) may further impair drug solubility and absorption.
2. Distribution
- Physiologic Changes:
- Increased body fat percentage leads to prolonged half-life of lipophilic drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines).
- Decreased lean body mass and total body water reduce the volume of distribution for hydrophilic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides), leading to higher plasma concentrations…
Physiologic and Pathophysiologic Changes Affecting Drug Metabolism in Geriatric Adults
As adults age, several physiological and pathophysiological changes impact drug metabolism, leading to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. These changes can increase the risk of drug accumulation, adverse effects, and toxicity.
1. Absorption
- Physiologic Changes: Minimal impact on drug absorption, though reduced gastric acid and delayed gastric emptying may slightly alter the absorption of certain medications (e.g., calcium carbonate, iron).
- Pathophysiologic Impact: Some chronic conditions (e.g., atrophic gastritis) may further impair drug solubility and absorption.
2. Distribution
- Physiologic Changes:
- Increased body fat percentage leads to prolonged half-life of lipophilic drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines).
- Decreased lean body mass and total body water reduce the volume of distribution for hydrophilic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides), leading to higher plasma concentrations…
Physiologic and Pathophysiologic Changes Affecting Drug Metabolism in Geriatric Adults
As adults age, several physiological and pathophysiological changes impact drug metabolism, leading to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. These changes can increase the risk of drug accumulation, adverse effects, and toxicity.
1. Absorption
- Physiologic Changes: Minimal impact on drug absorption, though reduced gastric acid and delayed gastric emptying may slightly alter the absorption of certain medications (e.g., calcium carbonate, iron).
- Pathophysiologic Impact: Some chronic conditions (e.g., atrophic gastritis) may further impair drug solubility and absorption.
2. Distribution
- Physiologic Changes:
- Increased body fat percentage leads to prolonged half-life of lipophilic drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines).
- Decreased lean body mass and total body water reduce the volume of distribution for hydrophilic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides), leading to higher plasma concentrations…
