What age-related change increases the risk for adverse effects from medications in older adults?

Prolonged medication half-life is a significant age-related change that increases the risk for adverse effects from medications in older adults. As people age, various physiological changes occur, including alterations in liver and kidney function, which can affect how drugs are metabolized and eliminated from the body. Specifically, older adults may experience a decline in renal function, leading to reduced clearance of medications that are primarily excreted through the kidneys.

When the half-life of a medication is prolonged, it means that the drug remains in the bloodstream for a longer period, increasing the potential for accumulation and toxicity, especially if dosing schedules do not account for this change. Consequently, older adults might experience heightened sensitivity to certain drugs, which could lead to increased side effects or adverse reactions.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of adjusting medication dosages and monitoring for potential adverse effects in the geriatric population, taking into account their unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics.