Therapeutic drug monitoring is a frequent practice in health care. How does age affect drug absorption, metabolization and excretion?
The use of salt substitutes can cause hyperkalemia in older adults when use in conjunction with what types of drugs?
Describe how you would prevent and evaluate risk factors for medication nonadherence in older adults?
at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources
ANSWER
How does age affect drug absorption, metabolization and excretion?
Age can affect drug absorption, metabolization, and excretion in a number of ways.
Absorption:
Gastric acid secretion decreases with age, which can slow down the absorption of drugs that are absorbed best in an acidic environment.
Intestinal blood flow also decreases with age, which can slow down the absorption of drugs that are absorbed passively.
The surface area of the small intestine decreases with age, which can also slow down the absorption of drugs.
Metabolism:
The liver is responsible for metabolizing many drugs. Liver size and function decrease with age, which can slow down the metabolism of drugs.
The activity of some drug metabolizing enzymes also decreases with age.
Excretion:
Kidney function decreases with age, which can slow down the excretion of drugs that are excreted by the kidneys.
The volume of distribution of some drugs increases with age, which can lead to a lower concentration of the drug in the blood and a slower rate of excretion.
These age-related changes can lead to increased drug levels in the blood, which can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions.
What types of drugs can cause hyperkalemia in older adults when used in conjunction with salt substitutes?
Salt substitutes typically contain potassium chloride, which is a potassium salt. Older adults are at increased risk of hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels in the blood, because their kidneys are less able to excrete potassium.
The following types of drugs can increase the risk of hyperkalemia when used in conjunction with salt substitutes:
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: ACE inhibitors are a class of blood pressure medications that can cause the kidneys to retain potassium.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): ARBs are another class of blood pressure medications that can cause the kidneys to retain potassium.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can also cause the kidneys to retain potassium.
Potassium-sparing diuretics: Potassium-sparing diuretics are a class of diuretics that can cause the kidneys to retain potassium.
If you are taking any of these medications and you are considering using a salt substitute, it is important to talk to your doctor first.
How would you prevent and evaluate risk factors for medication nonadherence in older adults?
Medication nonadherence is a common problem in older adults. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:
Complex medication regimens: Older adults may be taking multiple medications for different conditions, which can make it difficult to keep track of all of their medications and when to take them.
Side effects: Some medications can cause unpleasant side effects, which may lead patients to stop taking them.
Cost: The cost of medications can be a barrier to adherence for some older adults.
Cognitive impairment: Cognitive impairment, such as dementia, can make it difficult for older adults to remember to take their medications or to understand how to take them correctly.
The following are some ways to prevent and evaluate risk factors for medication nonadherence in older adults:
Simplify medication regimens: Healthcare providers should work with older adults to simplify their medication regimens whenever possible. This may involve combining medications, reducing the number of medications, or switching to once-a-day medications.
Educate patients about their medications: Patients should be educated about the benefits and risks of their medications, as well as how to take them correctly. This education should be provided in a way that is understandable to the patient, and it should be repeated at regular intervals.
Address side effects: Healthcare providers should work with patients to address any side effects that they are experiencing. This may involve changing the dosage, switching to a different medication, or providing other supportive care.
Help patients to afford their medications: Healthcare providers should help patients to find ways to afford their medications. This may involve working with insurance companies or finding financial assistance programs.
Monitor patients for medication adherence: Healthcare providers should monitor patients for medication adherence at regular intervals. This can be done by asking patients about their medication use, checking prescription refills, and measuring medication levels in the blood.
By taking these steps, healthcare providers can help to prevent medication nonadherence in older adults and improve their overall health outcomes.
References
American Geriatrics Society. (2019). Medication management in
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