$Unique_ID{BRK01946}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How do the Elderly and Medications React?}
$Subject{Elderly old age aged medication Medications React reaction reactions
physical physiological change changes metabolize metabolizes secrete secretes
chemical chemicals ingredient ingredients food foods blood system drug drugs
Body fat factor factors prescribe prescribed prescription prescriptions senior
seniors prevent prevention preventions}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How do the Elderly and Medications React?


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QUESTION:  I have often heard that many medications work differently in older
people than they do in the young.  I know there are changes in the body that
we can see, but I don't understand how they would affect the medicines.  Can
you try to explain this to me.  I am sure it is complicated but maybe you can
make it simple enough for me to understand.

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ANSWER:  As the body grows older, both physical and physiological changes
occur.  And that changes the way the body is able to metabolize and secrete
all the chemical ingredients that pass through our systems, foods as well as
medications, for they are all basically chemicals of one nature or another.
As the kidney ages, its ability to excrete chemicals diminishes, which means
that medications may remain in the blood system for a longer period of time
and at higher concentrations than for younger people.  The liver is
responsible for breaking down many chemicals, and it too slows down, so that
drugs remain active longer.  Body fat increases in older folks, and so drugs
which attach to fat will stay in the body longer.  Based upon this, and many
other factors, most medications are prescribed in lower or less frequent
doses to seniors, to prevent overdosing while maintaining the beneficial
effects of properly prescribed medicines.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.