This document summarizes geriatric pharmacology and aging-related changes. It discusses theories of aging, how aging affects drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. It also covers age-related changes in drug sensitivity and interactions, principles of prescribing for older adults, and common diseases in the elderly. Potential anti-aging therapies like calorie restriction, DHEA, and estrogen/progesterone are also mentioned.
8. How “old” is older?
60-69 70-79 80+
Old Old - Old Oldest- Old
60-74 75- 84 85+
Young Old Middle old Old-Old
9. Peculiarities of the old
• Healthy old: Age related changes are minimal
• Increased drug intake: Multiple diseases,
nutritional problems, etc.
• Changed lifestyle: ↓ financial resources
• Pharmacological responses: May be altered with
age
• Adverse drug reactions: More common
• Variability: Organ functions and responses are
more variable
10. 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
World 381.2 484.7 608.7 754.2 1011.6
Developed 173.3 203.6 234.6 232.4 308.2
Developing 207.9 281.8 374.1 491.8 703.4
Asia (excl.
Japan)
160 218.2 290 377.7 539.9
China 78.6 101.2 131.7 167.9 238.9
India 44.6 60.2 81.4 107 149.7
14. Drug Consumption amongst the
elderly
• Elderly: consume 31% of prescribed drugs.
• Average of 4.5 medications at any one time.
• Average of 13 to 15 prescriptions per year
24. Effects of Aging on Absorption
• Gastrointestinal tract changes seem to be of minor
• Altered rate of absorption – altered nutritional
habits, greater consumption of non-prescription
drugs (antacids, laxatives), changes in gastric
emptying (often slow)
27. Distribution: Important Age-Related
Changes:
• Lean Body Mass and Total Body Water - Higher
concentrations of water-soluble drugs
•↑in fat as % of body weight - Increase in volume of
distribution for lipophilic drugs, such as sedatives that
penetrate CNS.
• albumin, ↑ acid glycoprotein
28. Pharmacokinetic
variable affected
Age related
physiological changes
Pathological
conditions
Therapeutic &
Environmental
factors
Distribution ed cardiac output
ed total body water
ed lean body mass
ed S alb conc.
ed 1-acid glycoprot
ed proportion of body fat
CCF,
Dehydration
Oedema or ascitis,
Hepatic failure,
Malnutrition,
Renal failure
29. Metabolism
Liver Decline in overall
metabolism metabolic capacity
• Due to liver mass and hepatic blood flow.
• Animal studies – both basal & inducibility of
microsomal enzymes es
• Non microsomal enzyme pathway less affected
• ability of liver to recover from injury – Alcohol,
hepatitis etc (h/o recent liver disease important)
30. • Malnutrition and diseases affecting liver are more
common in elderly (CCF)
• Concurrent drug use
• Metabolic capacity is highly variable; no good
estimation algorithm existsPhase I (oxidation,
reduction, hydrolysis) is more likely to ↓ with
advancing age.
• Phase II (conjugation) usually unchanged
32. Age related ↓in hepatic clearance
found in
Alprazolam Flurazepam
Barbiturates Meperidine
Carbenoxolone Nortryptaline
Chlordiazepoxide Phenylbutazone
Chlormethiazole Propranolol
Clobazam Quinidine
Desmethyldiazepam Quinine
Diazepam Theophylline
Imipramine Tolbutamide
33. Pharmacokinetic
variable affected
Age related
physiological changes
Pathological
conditions
Therapeutic &
Environmental
factors
Metabolism ed hepatic mass
ed hepatic bld flow
CCF,
Fever,
Hepatic insufficiency,
Malignancy,
Thyroid disease,
Viral infection or
immunization
Dietary
composition.
Drug interactions,
Insecticides
Tobacco (smoking)
34. Excretion
• renal blood flow, GFR, tubular secretion, and
renal mass. (Preserved in 1/3)
• lean body mass leads to creatinine production;
Serum creatinine may appear normal even when
significant renal impairment exists.
• Prolongation of t1/2 & possible accumulation to
toxic levels ( if dose amount or frequency not
adjusted )
• A good estimation formula (Crokcroft-Gault
Formula ) for age over 40.
35. Creatinine clearance = (140-age) x (BW in Kg )
S. creatinine x 72
multiply by 0.85 for females
• Nutritional changes – severe dehydration (stroke
etc) Renal clearance decreases
• Lungs – decreased lung capacity, increased pul
diseases (volatile drugs)
39. Pharmacodynamics
• Generally, lower drug doses are required to achieve
the same effect with advancing age.
• Clinical studies prove increased sensitivity to
sedatives, hypnotics & analgesics.
• Receptor numbers, affinity, or post-receptor
cellular effects may change.
• Changes in homeostatic mechanisms can increase
or decrease drug sensitivity.
• Aged patients exhibits ↓ tolerance to adverse
effects
40. Homeostasis
• Impaired ability to compensate for physiologic
challenges.
• Progressive decline of reserve organ function that
occurs with aging
• Some clinically important aging-related changes may
interact with medication responses:
• Blood pressure regulation
Tendency to orthostatic hypotension.
Homeostenosis
42. • Narrowed BP range for adequate CNS perfusion.
May not increase heart rate when needed.
• Thermoregulation - diminished
Impaired reserve against both heat and cold.
• Volume Regulation
↓ reserves of body water
↓thirst
↓maximum urinary concentration
• ↓ ability to excrete free water load.
• Glucose metabolism 2 hrs PP bld sugar level by 1 g/dl
for each yr above 50.
43. Adverse drug reactions
Overall incidence is double
• Linearly related to the number of medications, which
in turn reflects the number of acute and chronic
illnesses.
• Associated with ↑ risk for hospital admissions,
cognitive impairment, injurious falls, and other
adverse outcomes.
• Errors in prescribing drugs –
-Age related pharmacokinetic changes not taken into
account
-Unawareness of incompatible combinations.
44. • Errors in drug use by patients –
Non compliance
Use of non prescription drugs
• Common drug reactions – confusion, ataxia, falls,
postural hypotension, urinary retention
&constipation.
• Careful drug h/o esp over the counter drugs.
45.
46.
47. Drug interactions
• Congestive Heart Failure:
Decreased clearance of many medications
• Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy:
Obstructive symptoms with anticholinergic drugs
• Chronic Renal Insufficiency:
NSAIDS, aminoglycosides, contrast dye
• Postural Hypotension:
May be worsened with diuretics, antihypertensives, tricyclic
antidepressants, L-dopa, vasodilators, others
• Dementia:
Superimposed delirium can result with anticholinergics,
opiates, and psychotropic agents
48. Selected interactions of Drugs, Food, and
Nutrition:
• Drug therapy can contribute to anorexia:
digoxin, narcotics, NSAIDS, others
• Dry mouth can contribute to poor intake:
clonidine, B-blockers, TCAs, antihistamines
• Frequent laxative use:
fat soluble vitamin deficiencies
• Food can impair absorption of:
Some medications, such as bisphosphonates
49. Selected Drug-Drug Interaction Examples:
• Absorption; impaired by resins and fiber products
• Metabolism:
• cimetidine inhibits oxidative metabolism of several other
medications
• induction of enzymes by alcohol or phenytoin: increases
metabolism of other agents cleared by the same enzymes
50. Renal excretion:
• Competition for renal tubular secretion: (e.g. Digoxin renal
excretion reduced by several other antiarrhymics)
• NSAIDS reduce renal prostaglandins and decrease renal blood
flow, and thus may reduce effects of some diuretics
• Protein Binding changes are important for highly protein
bound agents with narrow therapeutic index:
• Particularly when drug is displaced and metabolism is
inhibited:
• Example: warfarin with sulfonamides, which both displace drug
(increased free concentration) and inhibit hepatic metabolism
51. Principles of prescribing drugs in elderly
• Is drug therapy required?
• Treatment VS no treatment
• If required, what should be the aim?
• If required, which is the appropriate one?
• The ones with good therapeutic margin and less
abuse liability.
• Is the pt taking drug tolerable?
• Smallest no of drugs that should always be used.
• Medication errors and noncompliance should also be
accounted for.
?
52. Contributors to Non-Adherence with Medication
Regimen
• Complex or frequently changing schedule
• Large number of medications (>8)
• Adverse reactions
• Difficult-to-open containers
• Expensive medications
• Rectal, vaginal etc. modes of administration
• Confusion about brand name/trade name and
duplicates
53. Prevalence of Medication Non-adherence in
Older Adults:
• Rates estimated at 25-50%
• Intentional about 75% of the time but usually not
spontaneously reported
• Changes in regimen made by patients to increase
convenience, ↓ adverse effects or ↓refill expense
• Simplification of regimen, pre-filled medication boxes,
and legible instructions reduce the extent of non-
adherence
54. The future…
You can expect more:
• Quality monitoring of physician prescribing habits
with "profiling" of use of poorly tolerated drugs in
aged patients.
• More computer-based checks for drug
interactions.
• Regulatory pressure to include more aged subjects
in trials of new agents; hopefully an improved
evidence base in future.
55. • Case management as a tool for coordinating
complex care from multiple providers, avoiding
polypharmacy & for enhanced patient education.
• Continued time pressure that makes it difficult to
fully address medication regimen and adherence in
brief office visits.
56. General Principles of Medication Management for
Older Adults:
• Review all medications; ask patient to bring all
medications in.
• Avoid prescribing for nonspecific symptoms or
without clear diagnosis.
• Update and discontinue medications where able.
• Remember...medication lists accumulate if untended!
• Consider drug adverse effects if you observe decline
in physical or cognitive functions or self-care abilities.
• Medication boxes setup in advance may be helpful.
57. Prescribing Principles when a new medication is
needed:
• Start Low, Go Slow.
• Treat adequately to achieve goals of therapy.
• Provide patient education, using written instructions
to reinforce proper drug use at home.
• Avoid complex dosing schedules if possible.
58. Medication Reduction
Targeting Medication Reduction Strategies
• Patients on multiple medications (>8)
• People taking a drug to counteract side effects of another
drug
• Selected drugs have been identified as generally
inappropriate for older adults, due to poor tolerability. These
include:
• long-active sedative hypnotics
• amitriptyline
• indomethacin and phenylbutazone
• chlorpropamide
• propoxyphene
• muscle relaxants
65. Aminoguanide
• Effective in halting glycosylation,
• In aging process, glycosylation is considered to play a major role
alongside oxidation in the development of degenerative diseases
of arterial system, the eye and the brain.
• 300mg/day, is recommended as part of an effective anti-aging
program
Anacervix
• A "smart drug" medication - combines the vasoregulatory
action of Vincamine , with the cerebral metabolic
activation of Piracetam
• It wakes up the brain and focuses thinking and
concentration
66. Arginine
• An important amino acid - best known as a human
growth hormone releaser.
• of growth hormone in the human body - a major
reason why muscle mass & body fat with age.
• GH not effective orally, injections are expensive.
• GH releasers - arginine or ornithine.
67. Calorie restriction
• Shown to extend maximum life span (up to 40%)
• Slow the aging process, (rodents, water fleas,
rotifers, spiders and fish).
• Theories :
1. Energy-using system or levels of circulating glucose
causes destruction of life-preserving body systems (CR
reduces circulating glucose levels and slows metabolic
rate)
2. Lack of melatonin an important aging factor (CR inhibits
the usual decline in circulating melatonin levels)
3. Decline in immunological efficiency (CR strengthens the
immune system)
68. Cardiovascular rejuvenation therapy
• Proper exercise and a dietary regime geared toward
the reduction of LDL cholesterol (using
monounsaturated fats)
• Maintenance of youthful antioxidant levels (including
folic acid)
• Special supplements - niacin, DHEA, folic acid, and
the vitamins B-6 vitamin B-12 and E.
69. Chromium picolinate
• Trace mineral known to lower blood sugar
• Anti-aging effect,( antiglycosylation process)
• Human studies –
Decrease body fat
Enhance lean body mass
Lowering blood cholesterol levels
70. D-Deprenyl
• The "anti-aging aphrodisiac"
• Developed as an advanced treatment for Parkinson's
disease
• Found to have profound life-extension effects as well.
• Clinical trials -
protect brain neurons from toxins,
improve the condition of Alzheimers disease
Elevate levels of antioxidant enzymes,
Extend the lifespan of laboratory animals.
71. Estrogen & progestrone
• Help to maintain bone density, strength, and sexual
function
• Contribute to mental function (including protection
from Alzheimer's disease) in men and women
• Estrogen and Progesterone are now available in drug
and plant-derived formulations.
72. DHEA
• Declines with advancing age in both men and women.
• Studies - oral DHEA improves brain function, immune
function, stress disorders, and protects against
cardiovascular disease
• Increases lean body mass and muscle strength (as well
as perceived physical and psychological well-being).
• "The Anti-Aging Hormone"
73. Herbal therapies
• Ginseng has long been considered a "longevity" herb
• Ginko bilboa - antioxidant and therapeutic properties
for the brain
• Green tea polyphenols are powerful antioxidants
• Stress-reducing herbs such as kava, St. John's Wort, and
chamomile lead to life-extension.
74.
75. Clinical Trials In Geriatrics
• Under-representation of the geriatric population
• Geriatric Minimum Data Set (GMDS) for clinical
trials
• Guidelines for Clinical trials in the elderly
• PK/PD studies
• Drug-drug interaction studies
• Ethical Principles
76. Take home message
• Medication misuse in the elderly is a common and
serious problem.
• Recognizing age-related changes in pharmacodynamics
and pharmacokinetics will contribute to better
prescribing practices for geriatric patients.
• Final aim should be tailor make regimens as per the
individual.
• Promoting clinical research in the elderly to better
extrapolate the findings.
77. M minimize number of meds
A alternatives to be considered
S start low and go slow
T titrate therapy
E educate patient
R review and monitor regularly
Gerontology- the scientific study of old age, the process of ageing, and the particular problems of old people- broad term
Geriatrics (Clinical gerontology) -the branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of old people.
human cell is limited in the number of times it can divide. 50-times
Eventually (after 50-odd times of division) there is simply not enough DNA information available to complete any sort of division?
We also know that calorie restriction in animals significantly increases their life-span.
Telomeres act to maintain the integrity of our chromosomes. Every time our cells divide telomeres are shortened, leading to cellular damage and cellular death associated with aging.
-Each time a cell divides, there is a chance that some of the genes will be copied incorrectly, this is called a mutation. Additionally, exposures to toxins, radiation or ultraviolet light can causes mutations in your body's genes. The body can correct or destroy most of the mutations, but not all of them. Eventually the mutated cells accumulate, copy themselves and cause problems in the body's functioning related to aging.
-He believed that the body and its cells were damaged by overuse and abuse.
-The Cross-Linking Theory of Aging is also referred to as the Glycosylation Theory of Aging. In this theory it is the binding of glucose (simple sugars) to protein, (a process that occurs under the presence of oxygen) that causes various problems. Once this binding has occurred the protein becomes impaired and is unable to perform as efficiently. Living a longer life is going to lead to the increased possibility of oxygen meeting glucose and protein and known cross-linking disorders include senile cataract and the appearance of tough, leathery and yellow skin.
Free radical concept of aging discusses the biochemical phenomenon of aging. Free radical is an extra electron that creates a negative charge. The free radical has the ability to pair with other molecules in its attempt to find stability. Successful pairing of free radicals generates more free radicals which has the potential of damaging the cells in the body. Even though the effects of free radical have a negative effect, the body benefits from nerve conductions, energy production and immune responses.
According to WHO ,most developed countries have accepted the chronological age of 65 years and above as a definition of 'elderly' or older persons.
According to WHO ,most developed countries have accepted the chronological age of 65 years and above as a definition of 'elderly' or older persons.
The medical study of the ageing process is called gerontology. The study of diseases that afflict the elderly is geriatrics.
Epidemiology
More in women
Pacemaker cells in SA node decreases (More than 75% by 75 yrs)
Myocyte activity is decreses
LV wall thickness increases – stiff myocardium
Arteries become rigid with lipid deposition ( increased risk of ischemia)
decreased vital capacity (slight decrease in PO2 – ventilation perfusion mismatch)
Decreased hepatic function , decreased hepatic blood flow
decreased vitamin D absorption
decreased bone density – fractures
body water
body fat
Sleep: Poor quality of sleep & insomnia
Immunological functions: Poor T cell function
Babies are wet and older people are dry
Absorption is affected by site of administration and formulation of medication. (Bioavailability is influenced by absorption and by the extent of first-pass metabolism.)
Ph= potential of hydrogen
. Phenazine (antipyrine) – used as an index of hepatic function. (Prolonged T1/2, & decreased metabolic clearance in elderly)
Warfarin and ciprofloxacin (inducer)
Because of ↓hepatic blood flow
Coexisting diseases: dehydration, CCF, hypotension, urinary retention, DM nephropathy may further alleviate declining renal fn.
Coexisting diseases: dehydration, CCF, hypotension, urinary retention, DM nephropathy may further alleviate declining renal fn.
T1/2=0.693 Vd /CrCL
Men (younger than age 40): 107-139 milliliters per minute (mL/min) or 1.8-2.3 milliliters per second (mL/sec)
Women (younger than age 40): 87-107 mL/min or 1.5-1.8 mL/sec
more ‘sensitive’ to drug action
Animal studies have shown decreased responsiveness to beta adrenoreceptor stimulation & to beta blockers with age.
Concomitantly, the
a. Constipation, urinary retention Dry mouth, dry eyes, dry skin Memory impairment Delirium
Homeostenosis: As people get older or develop chronic diseases like dementia, there's a narrowing (or stenosis) of reserve capacity;. This phenomenon has been called homeostenosis, which is a decreased ability to maintain homeostasis (balance) under stress.
it is defined as a fall in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mm Hg when a person assumes a standing position.
Consuming alcohol may also lead to orthostatic hypotension due to its dehydrating effects.
decreased ability to maintain homeostasis (balance) under stress.
Homeostenosis: As people get older or develop chronic diseases like dementia, there's a narrowing (or stenosis) of reserve capacity;. This phenomenon has been called homeostenosis, which is a decreased ability to maintain homeostasis (balance) under stress.
Thermoregulation: Ambient temperature: immediate surroundings
High protein bind drugs: Barbiturates, BZDs, penicillins, sulfonamides, warfarin
“A third of the original research papers in major medical journals excluded elderly people without justification.”
GMDS- To overcome the weak evidence base coming from often poor and insufficient clinical research in older people, a minimum data set to achieve harmonisation is highly advisable. This will lead to uniform nomenclature and to the standardisation of the assessment tools.
‘ You don't heal old age; you protect it; you promote it; you extend it …’
‘ You don't heal old age; you protect it; you promote it; you extend it …’