Why do the elderly tend to have more complications with NSAIDs?
The elderly have more complications from these drugs than any other group of patients because of:
- • Altered drug absorption. The gastric pH rises with age. Active absorption and transport of drugs may be altered.
- • Reduced drug distribution.
- • Decreased protein-binding. Plasma albumin decreases with aging, decreasing protein-binding sites.
- • Hepatic metabolism and renal excretion may be altered.
- • Polypharmacy. Some patient’s medications may have drug interactions with NSAIDs.
