The Consultant pharmacist : the journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
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Adverse drug events (ADEs) are all too common in older patients. Although there are multiple causes for the ADEs in the elderly, alterations in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) are frequent culprits. These alterations in PK and PD may be part of the normal aging process. ⋯ In addition, because older people tend to use more medications, the incidence of drug-drug interactions becomes more prevalent. Most of the drug-drug interactions that adversely impact older people involve both PK and PD mechanisms. Pharmacists and all prescribers must have a sound understanding of PK and PD effects of medications used in older people to provide optimal care and avoid preventable drug-related problems.