What is an important consideration when administering medications to geriatric patients?

When administering medications to geriatric patients, reduced doses are often necessary due to age-related physiological changes that affect drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Elderly patients commonly experience a decline in renal and hepatic function, which can lead to slower drug metabolism and clearance from the body. As a result, the standard doses used for younger adults may result in higher systemic drug levels in older adults, increasing the risk of adverse effects and toxicity.

Additionally, geriatric patients may have a higher sensitivity to medications due to changes in body composition, such as increased body fat percentage and decreased lean muscle mass. These factors can alter the distribution and action of medications. Therefore, careful consideration of doses is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness while minimizing the risks of side effects or complications.

It is crucial for healthcare providers to assess each geriatric patient's overall health, medication regimen, and specific physiological changes before determining the appropriate dose for any medication.