Abstract

Elderly patients are presenting themselves for advanced critical care services in ever-increasing numbers due to changing population demographics coupled with advances in medical technology and pharmacology. Medical management of the elderly in critical care settings is complicated by pre-existing multisystem chronic disease, polypharmacy, and age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Three principles in the management of the elderly in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting are discussed: (1) the protection of renal function from common nephrotic drugs; (2) the necessity of altered drug dosing due to changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; and (3) the necessity of avoiding polypharmacy. Strategies for the prevention of acute renal failure in ICU contrast studies are described. A review of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in the elderly is presented with examples of commonly seen ICU medication problems.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.