What is a key consideration when administering medications to older adults?

Administering medications to older adults requires a strong understanding of altered pharmacokinetics that arise from age-related physiological changes. As individuals age, their bodies undergo several changes that can significantly affect how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted.

For instance, older adults often experience decreased renal function, which can lead to slower elimination of drugs from the body, increasing the risk for toxicity. Additionally, changes in liver function can alter the metabolism of medications, affecting how long they stay active in the system. The distribution of drugs can also be impacted by changes in body composition, such as increased fat or decreased lean body mass and total body water. These physiological adjustments can lead to variations in medication effectiveness and the potential for adverse effects.

Understanding these pharmacokinetic changes is crucial for ensuring that medications are administered safely and effectively to the older population. It allows healthcare providers to make necessary adjustments to dosages or medication types, ensuring they tailor treatments to maintain both efficacy and safety for older adults.