Examples of pharmacodynamics in older adult

NUR 257 Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness

Exam 2

Question:

Examples of pharmacodynamics in older adult

Answer:

• dec response to beta adrenergic receptor stimulators & blockers,
• dec baroreceptor sensitivity
• inc sensitivity to meds

Question:

what are some meds that are sensitive in the older adult

Answer:

anticho, benzos, narcotics, warfarin,

cardiac drugs: diltiazem/verapamil

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Question:

describe chronopharmacology

Answer:

• relationship between pharmacokinetics/dynamics
• cortisone tablet in AM (medrol dose pack) may have little-no effect on

adrenocortical system

• if same dose taken in divided amounts over day, unwanted effects may

suppress hormonal activities stemming from hypothalamus pituitary-adrenal axis

Question:

define polypharmacy

Answer:

• multiple meds for same problem, common & source of potential

morbidity/mortality

• Gnjidic- 5+ meds were taken for each additional med there was inc risk for

frailty, disability, death, falls

Question:

drug interactions meaning

Answer:

two or more meds/foods taken together/close together, they may cause change in effectiveness of the other

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Question:

drug herb interactions

Answer:

popularity of medicinal herbs & other dietary supplements inc & so does risk of interactions with prescribed meds

Question:

example of drug-herb interaction:

herbs that affect anticoagulant therapy

Answer:

• echinacea
• garlic
• gingko
• ginseng
• green tea

Question:

drug-food interactions

Answer:

many foods interact with meds producing inc/dec/variable effects such as inhibiting absorption

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Question:

interaction of drug/med:

fiber & digoxin?

Answer:

absorption of drug into fiber, reducing drug reaction

Question:

interaction of drug/med:

foods with vitamin K & warfarin?

Answer:

decreased effect of drug

Question:

interaction of drug/med:

any food & many abx

Answer:

reduced absorption rate of drug

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