engleski

FOOD AND DRUG INTERACTIONS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Background: While drug-drug interactions are described properly, there are less information and attention about food-drug interactions. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a drug may be altered as a result of food-drug interactions. Elderly patients are at higher risk due to the presence of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, malnutrition and impaired metabolism which may result with alteration of the effect of a drug (treatment failure or increased risk of adverse events and toxicity). Methods of work: The electronic database PubMed was searched in June 2016 for relevant studies. Additional references were obtained from reviewed articles. Results: A total of 24 articles were included in review. Warfarin, calcium channel blockers, statins, antibiotics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are drugs that frequently interfere with food. Grapefruit (food and juice), orange juice, St. John’s worth, xanthines-containing beverages (e. g. coffee tea), tyramine-containing food (e. g. chocolate, aged and matured cheeses, red wine, draft beers), milk and dairy products are the most common food, dietary supplements or beverages that interact with drugs in elderly population which is the same as in general population. Changes in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination associated with ageing result in modified drug bioavailability, volume of distribution, clearance and half-life in the elderly. Conclusion: The major risk for food-drug interactions is lack of patients’ awareness of the problem. There is a need to write guidelines for patients regarding food and drug interactions with a special focus on elderly patients. It is important to prescribe essential medications for as short a period as possible. Periodic re-evaluations of the treatment are needed to minimize the risk of potential food-drug interactions. Multidisciplinary approach (physicians, pharmacists and nurses) is recommended in geriatric care. Healthcare professionals should counsel elderly patients about drug interactions with the food they eat.

food ; drug ; interactions ; elderly

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