Clinical pharmacology in old persons

Paul A F Jansen, Jacobus R B J Brouwers, Paul A F Jansen, Jacobus R B J Brouwers

Abstract

The epidemiological transition, with a rapid increase in the proportion in the global population aged over 65 years from 11% in 2010 to 22% in 2050 and 32% in 2100, represents a challenge for public health. More and more old persons have multimorbidities and are treated with a large number of medicines. In advanced age, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs are altered. In addition, pharmacotherapy may be complicated by difficulties with obtaining drugs or adherence and persistence with drug regimens. Safe and effective pharmacotherapy remains one of the greatest challenges in geriatric medicine. In this paper, the main principles of geriatric pharmacology are presented.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Increase in life expectancy from 1950 until 2100. Population by age groups and sex expressed as percentage of total population [2].

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