In addition, older people take more medications. The author discusses several conditions associated with aging that can interfere with proper drug processing and lead to adverse effects. These include changes in absorption due to changes in gastrointestinal tract functioning. Protein binding of drugs, an event that occurs as drugs enter the bloodstream, can be hampered in the elderly. An inability to bind can cause too much of a drug, such as Dilantin, to remain in the system leading to sleepiness and confusion.
Metabolism is slowed in the livers of elderly persons.
This reduction can cause a drug to remain in the system longer posing a risk of toxicity. Renal function also declines with age. It is crucial for health care providers to monitor elderly patients to prevent adverse drug reactions. In addition, the author provides a list of undesirable drugs for older patients outlining the problems produced by usage of these drugs. P odgorski, Carol Ann, et al.