Older people adverse drug reactions

Drug-patient interaction (adverse drug reactions) These may be due to overdose, genetics, idiosyncrasy, insensitivity, intolerance or hypersensitivity (see page 31). Adverse reactions are observed more frequently in older people due to increased drug use in this sector of the population. 

Consider the difference in response to drugs between older and younger people. Treatment should reflect biological age (rather than chronological). Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerability, adverse reactions, economy and patient choice will all influence therapy chosen. Most commonly, car-bamazepine or sodium valproate are chosen for older people as their effects in older people are well documented. Both show a favourable balance of safety, efficacy and economy. Phenytoin is less preferable because of drug interactions, adverse effects and potential for toxicity (zero order kinetics). 

Explain why adverse reactions to drugs occur more frequently in older people than in the general population. 

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