Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

The Impact of Age on ADME

Pharmacokinetics is an important process typified by several activities including absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion of chemical compounds. Understanding drug pharmacokinetics is particularly beneficial since it helps researchers and clinicians determine the drug dosage that is safe and effective in the treatment of certain conditions (Ruscin & Linnebur, 2018). Various factors including the age of a person have the potential to influence the pharmacokinetics of drugs. The adsorption of drugs is significantly lower in older persons than younger people. The decreased absorption rate is attributed to the loss of mucosal intestinal surface, a reduction in gastric acidity and a decrease in the flow of blood to the gastrointestinal organs (Ruscin & Linnebur, 2018). Metabolism of drugs, which usually takes place in the liver, is also affected by aging. Aging contributes to a decrease in liver mass and hepatic blood flow. Subsequently, an older person may present with an increased concentration of drugs that go through the hepatic first step effect. A decrease in renal activity is one of the typical characteristics of aging. Therefore, renal elimination of drugs compounds may be affected in old age. Buy this excellently written paper or order a fresh one from ace-myhomework.com

Salt substitutes

Salt substitutes contain a significantly large quantity of potassium. These salts are intended to reduce the concentration of sedum in the body. When salt substitutes are used together with certain medications they may lead to hyperkalemia since some medications increase the excretion of sedum subsequently facilitating the renal reuptake of potassium (Lerma, Sparks & Topf, 2018).

Compliance with Treatment

Noncompliance with treatment is a common health problem observed among the elderly. Nurses should, therefore assess their clients for compliance. Compliance can be evaluated by analyzing medical reports, patient interviews, pill counts, electronic medication monitors, and prescription refill rates (DeWit, Stromberg & Dallred, 2016). Patient and family education is an effective strategy for addressing non-compliance. Education ensures that family members play an active role in patient care (DeWit, Stromberg & Dallred, 2016). The development of a treatment plan and timetable can also enhance compliance with treatment.

References

DeWit, S. C., Stromberg, H., & Dallred, C. (2016). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts & practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Lerma, E. V., Sparks, M. A., & Topf, J. (2018). Nephrology Secrets E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Malangu, N. (Ed.). (2018). Pharmacokinetics and Adverse Effects of Drugs: Mechanisms and Risks Factors. BoD–Books on Demand.

Ruscin, J. M., & Linnebur, S. A. (2018). Pharmacokinetics in Older Adults.

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/drug-therapy-in-older-adults/ pharmacokinetics-in-older-adults