Pharmacology - Lifespan Considerations

Question 1

What physiological changes occur in the elderly that affect the action of drugs?

Answer 1

overall decrease in organ function means higher risk for adverse effects and toxicity

• decrease in gastric pH and decrease peristalsis (can delay onset)
• increase fat (can increase storage of lipid soluble drugs)
• decrease liver function (slower metabolism, less albumin)
• decrease CO (slower distribution)
• decrease in % body water (more susceptible to dehydration)
• decrease in kidney function (slower excretion)

Question 2

Why would sex affect medications?

Answer 2

• hormones

- body fat %

Question 3

What do you have to consider when administering drugs to a pregnant woman?

Answer 3

does it pass through the placenta?

Question 4

What is another consideration (non-physiological) when administering medications to elderly?

Answer 4

polypharmacy

Question 5

What do we have to consider when giving medications to children?

Answer 5

• immature organs
• some drugs contraindicated (ASA)
• drug dose should be calculated using body surface area or weight