What factors must be considered for medication dosage adjustments in elderly patients?

In elderly patients, age-related changes in metabolism and organ function are critical factors to consider when adjusting medication dosages. As individuals age, physiological changes can affect how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted.

For instance, renal function often declines with age, which can lead to decreased clearance of medications that are primarily eliminated by the kidneys. Similarly, hepatic metabolism may reduce due to decreased liver size and blood flow, affecting how drugs are processed by the liver. These changes can increase the risk of drug accumulation and side effects if dosages are not adjusted accordingly.

In addition to metabolic and organ function changes, factors like polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications), the presence of comorbid conditions, and sensitivity to medications may also necessitate careful consideration in dosage adjustments. Therefore, recognizing the importance of these age-related factors is essential to ensure safe and effective medication management in older adults.