Dental clinics of North America
-
Aging is accompanied by normal physiologic changes. Paralleling these changes, disease further contributes to a decline in optimal organ-system function. Many of these changes produce significant alterations in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics that are relevant to safe and effective pharmacotherapy in the elderly. ⋯ Prescribe the lowest therapeutic dose. Assess the patient's response frequently for compliance, drug effects, and toxicity. Discontinue unnecessary medications.