title: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic changes associated with aging and implications for drug therapy.
abstract: The population of older adults continues to increase, and polypharmacy in this population is more the rule than the exception. Physiologic changes that occur with aging result in multiple alterations to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, which, in turn, increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. Consideration of initial dose adjustment, along with frequent medication reconciliation and analysis of the medication list, are keys to providing optimal pharmaceutical care for elderly patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. lsera@rx.umaryland.edu
authors.forename: Leah Church
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Sera
authors.forename: Mary Lynn
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: McPherson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004358:Drug Therapy; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010599:Pharmacokinetics; D010600:Pharmacology; D019338:Polypharmacy; D012307:Risk Factors