Medicines & Ageing
 
The gradual process of ageing means that the way our bodies handle and react to medicines when we are older differs slightly from the way they handled them when we were younger. Age-related changes can affect
how much medicine is absorbed into the body.
how the body processes medicines.
how the body reacts to medicines.
how the body eliminates medicines.

Kidneys
The kidneys have an important role in eliminating medicines from the body. From the age of 40, we lose approximately 1% of kidney function each year. As a result, older people's kidneys eliminate some medicines less effectively, so they remain in the body for a longer time.

Changing body composition
Older bodies tend to contain more fat, less muscle and less water than younger bodies. As a result, the dosages of some medicines may need to be adjusted.

Medicine Sensitivity
Older bodies are more sensitive to some medicines, so the intended effects of the medicine are stronger. Examples include sleeping tablets -greater sensitivity to sleeping tablets means that a dose that would make a younger person drowsy may make an older person very drowsy, confused or prone to falling.
Older people may also be more susceptible to the specific effects of some medicines. For example, your blood pressure normally drops when you get out of bed or stand up quickly. The body deals with this problem by having a mechanism that counteracts the drop in blood pressure, but in older people, this mechanism does not work as effectively. As a result, if you take a medicine that lowers your blood pressure, you may feel dizzy or even faint when you get out of bed or stand up too quickly.

Multiple medicines
Chronic health problems are more common in older people. As a result, most older people take medicines regularly. On average, older people take 2–5 medicines regularly, and about a third take 5 or more regularly. Taking multiple medicines increases the possibility of interactions between different medicines, and older people tend to be more sensitive to the effects of such interactions.

Implications of Age-related changes
Over the years, these age-related changes mean that you are more likely to experience problems with medicines. You may become more sensitive to the intended effects or side effects of some medicines and more susceptible to experiencing interactions between medicines. As a result, you may need to take smaller doses of some medicines than a younger person would, especially when taking a medicine for the first time. The need to take smaller doses may also extend to medicines you have been taking without problems for many years or even decades. In some cases, you may have to stop taking a medicine altogether, or change to another medicine that does the same job with less likelihood of side effects. In addition, your doctor may change one or more of your medicines if they feel you are at risk of developing interactions between your medicines.
Preventing problems If you are an older person, your doctor will consider all the factors discussed above when deciding what medicine and what dose to prescribe for you. Your pharmacist also plays an essential part in helping you understand what your prescription medicine is for and how to take it. They will also be able to provide sound advice about non-prescription (over the counter) medicines and can help you overcome any problems you have with taking your medicines. You could also ask if your pharmacist provides Medicine Checks or reviews – a thorough process that allows you to understand your medicines and get the best effect from them.

You can work with your doctor and pharmacist to minimise the potential problems caused by ageing by;
Asking your doctor or pharmacist about the suitability of any non-prescription medicines or supplements before you take them to avoid interactions with your existing medicines.
Asking your pharmacist about your medicines & how you might take them to benefit you the most (questions may include);
What is my medicine used for?
How and when should I take it?
Am I supposed to take it with food or water?
How will I know if it is working?
How long will I need to take this medicine?
Are there any side effects I should watch for (& what should I do if they occur)?
Is it okay to take with other medicines, alcohol or natural remedies?

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to look after your own health and taking your medicine properly is an important part of taking care of yourself. You, your pharmacist and your doctor are all part of your health care team. By working with your pharmacist, you can be sure you take your medicine safely, effectively and appropriately to maintain your good health.
 
This information kindly supplied by Medwise Ltd, Tauranga