Clinical Pharmacology of Labetalol in Elderly Hypertensives

Most estimates suggest that approximately one half of all drugs prescribed are intended for those over 60 years of age. Furthermore, this group bears the brunt of adverse reactions, perhaps due in part to the disproportionately large volume of prescribing. In addition, however, there are many differences both in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs in the elderly, and while the pharmacokinetics alterations with ageing have been reasonably well described changes in pharmacodynamics are poorly understood. Sensitivity to drugs is thought to be increased in some cases e.g. those acting on the central nervous system and anticoagulants but responsiveness is decreased with other drugs such as beta adrenoceptor blocking drugs and agonists.