Age-associated pharmacodynamic changes

Abstract

Many pharmacodynamic changes with age have been identified. Quite likely, they, in concert with age-associated pharmacokinetic changes and multiple drug use, are responsible for altered drug action in the elderly and an increasing incidence of adverse drug reactions with age. The pharmacodynamic changes, which can result in altered action of important drugs, can lead to major adverse clinical outcomes if not recognized, particularly in those drugs which affect the heart and the central nervous system.