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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Hilary Wynne, Professor Alan Boddy
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We have investigated the association of age and frailty with the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the conjugated drug, metoclopramide. Six healthy young, six healthy elderly (> 65 years), and six frail elderly (> 65 years) subjects were studied on two occasions, receiving 10 mg metoclopramide by intravenous bolus and orally, in random order. Blood and urine were collected for measurement of pharmacokinetic parameters. Liver volume was measured by ultrasound. Sedation and contentment were self-recorded on visual analogue scales. Liver volume was not significantly different in the three groups, nor was bio-availability of metoclopramide. Clearance was similar in the young and fit elderly but reduced in the frail elderly subjects when compared with the young (p < 0.05), both when expressed in absolute terms and per unit liver volume. There were no differences in percentages cleared as the free drug or as the sulphate or glucuronide metabolite within or between groups, suggesting that frailty can produce a general impairment of conjugation pathways. The frail elderly subjects reported more sedation after intravenous dosage than the other subjects, whilst only young subjects reported akathisia. This did not relate to pharmacokinetic differences and seemed therefore to reflect associated pharmacodynamic changes in specific receptor or target sites.
Author(s): Wynne, H. A., Yelland, C., Cope, L. H., Boddy, A. V., Woodhouse, K. W., Bateman, D. N.
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Age and Ageing
Year: 1993
Volume: 22
Issue: 5
Pages: 354-359
Print publication date: 01/09/1993
ISSN (print): 1468-2834
ISSN (electronic): 0002-0729
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ageing/22.5.354
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/22.5.354
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