Elderly people are at particularly increased risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) [1], which are mainly due to polypharmacy and physiological changes affecting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs, or poor compliance due to cognitive or depressive responses.
Why are older people more prone to adverse drug reactions?
The risk of AEs increases with age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, increased comorbidity burden, polypharmacy, inappropriate prescribing, and suboptimal medication monitoring. ADRs are a preventable cause of patient harm and an unnecessary waste of healthcare resources.
What is the most important factor in adverse drug reactions in the elderly?
found that patients over the age of 65 took an average of two to six prescription drugs and 13.4 nonprescription drugs. Of all the factors most consistently associated with adverse drug reactions, polypharmacy is considered the most important.
Does age increase the risk of side effects?
Advanced age as a risk factor for side effects. Several studies suggest that older people may have a higher rate of ADRs than younger adults and that age may be a risk factor for ADR occurrence.
Why are older people at higher risk of adverse drug reactions?
Elderly people are at particularly increased risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) [1], which are mainly due to polypharmacy and physiological changes affecting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs, or poor compliance due to cognitive or depressive responses.
What is the most important factor in adverse drug reactions in the elderly?
found that patients over the age of 65 took an average of two to six prescription drugs and 13.4 nonprescription drugs. Of all the factors most consistently associated with adverse drug reactions, polypharmacy is considered the most important.
Why are older people at higher risk of adverse drug reactions?
Elderly people are at particularly increased risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) [1], which are mainly due to polypharmacy and physiological changes affecting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs, or poor compliance due to cognitive or depressive responses.
What is the main cause of side effects in the elderly?
Increased sensitivity to many drugs: Problems with reduced height, altered body composition (more fat, less water), and decreased liver and kidney function mean that many drugs accumulate in older people’s bodies at dangerously higher levels and for longer periods of time than in younger people. Persons .
What factors are responsible for adverse drug reactions?
Factors that may increase the possibility of side effects occurring include extreme age, gender, multiple medications, medical condition, history of side effects or allergies, genetic factors, high doses, and many other factors. 24
Why is the geriatric population more prone to side effects?
Elderly and pediatric patients are particularly susceptible to adverse events because drugs are less likely to be extensively studied at this extreme age and drug absorption and metabolism are more variable and less predictable in these two groups.
What is the most common cause of Ade in the elderly population?
Risk factors for adverse drug reactions Polypharmacy, ie taking more drugs than clinically necessary, is probably the most important risk factor for AEs. Elderly patients, who take more medications and are more susceptible to certain adverse drug reactions than younger patients, are particularly susceptible to ADRs.
