Advanced Age as a Risk Factor of Drug-Induced Diseases

Some patients are more likely to have drug-induced diseases due to a number of risk factors, such as older age. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of older age on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medicines and the risk of developing drug-induced diseases. The analysis of scientific literature demonstrated that changes in the functions of body organs and systems caused by natural aging processes may potentially affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medicines and increase the risk of adverse drug reactions. For instance, older people have a decreased cardiac output both at rest and during exercise, weight loss, loss of elasticity of elastic vessels, a reduced number of functioning nephrons, poorer renal filtration capacity, decreased liver volume, a reduced number of functioning hepatocytes, decreased hepatic blood flow. These changes directly affect absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion of medicines, which in turn can affect their safety profiles. Consideration of age-related changes in the functions of body organs and systems, regular monitoring of the efficacy and safety of the prescribed medicine, changing the dosage regimen, and revision of the treatment sheet by healthcare professionals will help optimize pharmacotherapy and reduce the risk of adverse reactions and drug-induced diseases in older patients.