Why is dose adjustment necessary in older adults taking medications?

Dose adjustment is necessary in older adults taking medications primarily because their organs, particularly the kidneys and liver, often show decreased efficiency in drug elimination. As individuals age, physiological changes can lead to altered pharmacokinetics, which can affect how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted.

For instance, reduced renal function is common in older adults, resulting in a decreased clearance of drugs that are primarily eliminated through the kidneys. This can lead to drug accumulation and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects or toxicity if standard doses are not adjusted downward. Similarly, liver function may decline, affecting the metabolism of drugs that require hepatic processing.

Consequently, careful consideration of dosage is essential to ensure therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing the risk of harmful side effects, making dose adjustments particularly crucial for this population.