Which age-related changes can increase the risk of adverse drug effects in older adults?

Changes in liver function are significant age-related changes that can increase the risk of adverse drug effects in older adults. As individuals age, their liver's capacity to metabolize medications often decreases due to diminished hepatic mass and blood flow. This reduction can lead to prolonged half-lives of drugs, resulting in higher concentrations in the bloodstream and an increased likelihood of side effects or toxicity.

Older adults often take multiple medications, which can compound these effects due to potential drug interactions. Adjustments to medication dosages or increased monitoring may be necessary to ensure safe and effective treatment, underscoring the importance of understanding how aging impacts liver function and medication metabolism.

While cognitive decline, loss of muscle mass, and decreased mobility are important issues in older adults, they are less directly related to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs compared to changes in liver function.