Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of drug therapy in old age. Part 2.

In this Part 2, pharmacodynamic studies which have examined the possibility of true changes in drug "sensitivity" in old age are reviewed. In a variety of organ systems, age-related physiological changes are reflected in altered drug responsiveness in the elderly. Also, a better understanding of different pathophysiological background of disease in this age group leads to a more rational pharmacotherapeutic approach, which is exemplified in the recent drug therapy of hypertension in the elderly.