What is an important consideration when administering medication to elderly patients?

In elderly patients, pharmacokinetics—the way the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes medications—can be significantly altered due to physiological changes associated with aging. This demographic often experiences decreased liver size and blood flow to the liver, which can slow the metabolism of drugs, leading to a longer duration of action and increased accumulation of medications in the body. Additionally, changes in kidney function may affect excretion, requiring careful monitoring of renal function to avoid toxicity.

Understanding these altered pharmacokinetics is crucial when administering medications to elderly patients to ensure both efficacy and safety. Dosing adjustments and careful selection of medications can help minimize adverse effects and optimize therapeutic outcomes, making this consideration paramount in pharmacological care for older adults.