As people get older, their bodies change in ways that affect how they process medications. There are a few important reasons for this:
Liver Changes: The liver, which helps break down drugs, can shrink and receive less blood. This means it takes longer for many medications to be processed.
Kidney Changes: The kidneys might not work as well as they used to. This can cause drugs to stay in the body longer, which might lead to a need for lower doses.
Body Changes: As people age, they often have more body fat and less muscle. This can change how medications are stored in the body.
Because of these changes, older adults might be at a higher risk for side effects or bad reactions to medications. It's important for doctors to consider these factors when prescribing drugs to older patients.
As people get older, their bodies change in ways that affect how they process medications. There are a few important reasons for this:
Liver Changes: The liver, which helps break down drugs, can shrink and receive less blood. This means it takes longer for many medications to be processed.
Kidney Changes: The kidneys might not work as well as they used to. This can cause drugs to stay in the body longer, which might lead to a need for lower doses.
Body Changes: As people age, they often have more body fat and less muscle. This can change how medications are stored in the body.
Because of these changes, older adults might be at a higher risk for side effects or bad reactions to medications. It's important for doctors to consider these factors when prescribing drugs to older patients.