According to recent research from the United States, "Aging affects the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, which has potentially important implications for the use of psychotropic medication in older adults."

"The absorption of orally administered drugs may be impaired or delayed, the volume of distribution of most drugs is decreased, and over time, the distribution shifts toward greater drug accumulation in fat stores. Decrease in renal function with age is especially important regarding, the use of lithium but is also relevant for most drugs because they are eventually cleared through the kidneys after metabolism in the liver," wrote R.H. Howland and colleagues, University of Pittsburgh, Western Psychiatric Institute (see also Pharmacodynamics).

The researchers concluded: "Because pharmacodynamic changes associated with aging will make elderly patients more sensitive to the pharmacological effects of medication-especially adverse effects-nurses should be appropriately trained in pharmacology and therapeutics in older adults."

Howland and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services (Effects of Aging on Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Drug Processes. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 2009;47(10):15+).

For additional information, contact R.H. Howland, University of Pittsburgh, School Medical, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, 3811 OHara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

Publisher contact information for the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services is: Slack Inc., 6900 Grove Rd., Thorofare, NJ 08086, USA.