Pharmacology and the Elderly Flashcards

1
Q

What does ADME stand for?

A

Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism
Excretion

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2
Q

What environment do acidic drugs require for absorption?

A

acidic environment

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3
Q

Give some examples of acidic drugs?

A

phenytoin
aspirin
penicillins

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4
Q

What environment do basic drugs require for absorption?

A

basic

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5
Q

Give some examples of basic drugs?

A

diazepam
morphine
pethidine

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6
Q

Why are basic drugs more prone to cause delirium?

A

they cause a change in pH

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7
Q

Which type of drug is absorbed more due to increased gastric pH? and why?

A

basic

increased gastric pH decreases small bowel surface area

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8
Q

Do elderly people have more Alpha-1 or albumin?

A

Alpha 1

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9
Q

What does albumin bind to?

A

acidic drugs

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10
Q

What does alpha-1 bind to?

A

basic drugs

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11
Q

Why do elderly absorb more basic drugs?

A

elderly have more Alpha-1 so bind to more basic drugs

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12
Q

Why do elderly people induce a longer half live in lipophillic drugs?

A

they have more fat than muscle which increased the volume of distribution of lipophillic drugs

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13
Q

Give an example of a lipophillic drug?

A

diazepam

anaesthetics

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14
Q

Give an example of a hydrophillic drug?

A

digoxin

lithium

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15
Q

What are the characteristics of a hydrophillics drugs volume of distribution and half life?

A

smaller volume of distribution

short half life

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16
Q

Why is hepatic metabolism often reduced in elderly?

A

decreased liver size
decreased blood flow
diseased liver

17
Q

How does the therapeutic window change as you age?

A

gets narrower

18
Q

How does renal metabolism change in elderly?

A

lower GFR due to decreased size, tubular secretion and renal blood flow

19
Q

What should you always prescribe alongside an opioid in elderly?

A

lactulose or senna

20
Q

What must you do if you presrcibe long term steroids in elderly?

A

give osteoporosis prevention

monitor BG in those with diabetes

21
Q

What must elderly patients never take when taking levothyroxine?

A

calcium

22
Q

What are the side effects of anticholinergic drugs?

A

long term risk of developing dementia

also causes confusion, hallucinations, tachycardia, falls, constipation, dizziness, blurred vision and urinary retention

23
Q

What common side effect does calcium cause?

A

GI upset