Medication issues in the young and the elderly

[Extract] This chapter will examine issues relating to the use of medication in both the young and the elderly. It will examine differences in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in these age groups and discuss the impact of these pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic changes on the medication management of the patient. Other legal, clinical and therapeutic considerations relating to the use of medications in both age groups will also be addressed. By the end of this chapter (including cross-referencing with other chapters) the reader should have an understanding of: • the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences between the young and elderly compared to the standard adult population • some legal and dosing issues relating to medication management in the young and elderly • the issues caused by poor concordance and adherence in the elderly • the problems associated with polypharmacy in the elderly • the potential impact of any of the above issues on physiotherapeutic management.