Study on Geriatric Pharmacology: An Overview

Abstract

Bioavailability of a drug depends on gastrointestinal absorption and the first pass metabolism in gastric mucosa and the liver. Elderly patients frequently experience multiple illnesses and take many drugs concurrently. The combination of altered drug activity, impaired homeostasis, and the use of multiple drugs by elderly patients results in frequent adverse drug reactions. Although they can be difficult to recognize in elderly patients, adverse drug reactions are a frequent cause of morbidity and may necessitate hospitalization. Because the risk of adverse drug reactions increases with the number of drugs taken, it is important to discontinue any treatment that is not efficacious. Adverse drug reactions are an important cause of morbidity and hospital admission in elderly patients5. 85 to 95% of ambulatory elderly take at least 1 medication, with an average of 3-4 per day. Bec ause of neurological, visual and auditory disabilities, elderly patients may have difficulty complying with complicated drug regimens. Some chronic diseases in elderly patients cannot be effectively treated with drugs. The survey studies regarding utilization of medicine as well as the education in elderly patients may reduce the morbidity in general. Furthermore, the education and the training of doctors for prescribing drugs in elderly patients in view of altered drug behavior in these patients in view of changed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of the drugs will be remedial measures to decrease the morbidity of elderly patients to a greater extent.