Geriatric Pharmacology: An Update

Anesthesiol Clin. 2019 Sep;37(3):475-492. doi: 10.1016/j.anclin.2019.04.007. Epub 2019 Jun 19.

Abstract

An aging worldwide population demands that anesthesiologists consider geriatrics a unique subset of patients requiring customization of practice. This article reviews the current literature investigating physiologic changes of the elderly that affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Changes in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are discussed as well as the ultimate effects of medications. Implications for practice regarding specific anesthetic and analgesic drugs are addressed. Despite the immense body of research that contributes to understanding of geriatric pharmacology, elderly patients often are excluded from rigorous research trials, and further scientific investigation to inform best practices for this group of patients is needed.

Keywords: Aging; Anesthesiology; Elderly; Geriatric; Pharmacodynamic; Pharmacokinetic; Pharmacology; Physiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Drug Therapy / trends
  • Geriatrics / trends*
  • Humans
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Pharmacology / trends*
  • Population Dynamics

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations