title: Alterations in drug disposition in older adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The worldwide population is aging, and several age-associated physiological and pathophysiological changes can affect drug disposition. This is particularly important in view of the extensive medication prescribing and exposure in older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a framework of the four primary pharmacokinetic processes (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination), this review discusses the current evidence of the pharmacokinetic changes that occur with aging, particularly 'healthy aging,' focusing on developments in this field over the last 10 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A substantial amount of work has been conducted to address whether advancing age significantly affects drug disposition in humans. Despite significant advances in the field, particularly regarding drug metabolism and elimination, a number of issues remain unsolved. In particular, lack of inclusion of older adults with multimorbidity and those aged > 80 and minimal evidence in relation to new drugs limits the applicability of findings to current clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: University of Sydney, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, School of Medicine, Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Ageing and Pharmacology , Level 12 Kolling building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales 2065 , Australia +02 99264 924 ; +02 99264 926 ; emily.reeve@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Reeve
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Wiese
authors.forename: Arduino A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Mangoni
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism*; D010599:Pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
keywords: absorption; aging; distribution; elimination; metabolism; pharmacokinetics