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Drug Effects

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Answers from
The Pharmacists
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Topic: Senior Health
Question: I've read that when you get older, medicine may work differently in your body. Is that true?

Answer:Age-related physical changes (such as slower metabolism, decrease in liver or kidney function, decrease in body fluid, increase in body fat) may cause certain drugs' effects to be less predictable in older adults than in younger or middle-aged people. Because of this, your physician may alter or reduce the standard adult dose for you. That's why it is important to always take your medications exactly as directed by your physician

In addition, older adults become less tolerant of medication side effects and may experience more episodes of adverse drug events. (Adverse drug effects may include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, racing heartbeat, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, feeling faint, or severe depression.) Certain medications have the potential to cause dizziness, which can lead to falls and injury. The risk for such adverse drug effects increases for folks over age 65.

Below are some other common concerns for seniors, with suggestions on how to meet the challenges they present:

§ An older adult is more likely to have chronic illnesses. With certain chronic illnesses, however, the body may metabolize (process) medications less effectively. Ask your physician about how your illness(es) may affect how your body processes your medication(s).

§ When you take many different medications, the risk of adverse drug effects dramatically increases with each additional drug. Talk with each doctor you see or pharmacist about what to expect from the combination of medications you take. Make sure your doctor knows about all medications prescribed by other physicians you see, as well as vitamins or supplements you are taking.

§ The more complex your dosage schedule, the greater the risk of errors in taking your medication, such as accidentally taking two doses of a medication or forgetting to take a medication at the prescribed time. It may be useful for you to use daily medication containers or a color-coded system to help reduce your risk of a mix-up. A daily log or other reminder system can also be helpful.

Find information about age-related changes in organs, tissues, and cells; vital signs; and the senses in our Health Library.

Find more information on your medications in our Drug Information section.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823.