Pharmacodynamics in Older Adults

In contrast to pharmacokinetic effects, pharmacodynamics is defined as what the drug does to the body or the response of the body to the drug; it is affected by receptor binding, postreceptor effects, and chemical interactions (see Drug–Receptor Interactions). In older adults, the effects of similar drug concentrations at the site of action (sensitivity) may be greater or smaller than those in younger people (see table Effect of Aging on Drug Response). Differences may be due to changes in drug-receptor interaction, postreceptor events, or adaptive homeostatic responses and, among frail patients, are often due to pathologic changes in organs. However, clinical differentiation between pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects can sometimes be difficult.