Abstract
Pharmacokinetic considerations in the elderly include absorption, bioavailablility, drug distribution, half-life, drug metabolism, and drug excretion. There are numerous physiologic changes with aging that affect pharmacodynamics with alterations in end-organ responsiveness. This article discusses use of cardiovascular drugs in the elderly including digoxin, diuretics, beta-adrenergic blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, alpha-adrenergic blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, and anticoagulants. This article also discusses the adverse effects of cardiovascular drugs in the elderly, medications best to avoid in the elderly, and the prudent use of medications in the elderly.
MeSH terms
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Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Aged
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Aging / metabolism
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Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
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Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
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Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
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Cardiovascular Agents / pharmacokinetics
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Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
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Cardiovascular Diseases / complications
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Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
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Digoxin / therapeutic use
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Diuretics / therapeutic use
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Drug Interactions
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Female
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Geriatrics / methods*
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Humans
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Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
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Male
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Nitrates / therapeutic use
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Renal Insufficiency / complications
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Renal Insufficiency / metabolism
Substances
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Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
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Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
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Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
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Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
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Anticoagulants
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Calcium Channel Blockers
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Cardiovascular Agents
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Diuretics
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Hypolipidemic Agents
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Nitrates
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Digoxin