Drug Dosage Should Be Adjusted for Kidney Function

Around 30% of people aged 70 to 79 suffer from chronic kidney disease, which slows down the body's excretion of many medications. Consequently, adjusting drug dosages to match declining kidney function is crucial for reducing the risk of side effects and complications, according to the German Association of Pharmacists (ABDA). Professor Ulrich Jaehde highlighted that dosages can be checked through pharmaceutical services at pharmacies and recommended adjustments discussed with physicians.

Studies conducted in nursing homes indicate that a failure to adjust dosages for reduced kidney performance is a primary reason for adverse drug reactions in the elderly. Jaehde advises older patients to have not only their organ functions but also their medication effects regularly checked. If new symptoms such as confusion, falls, or skin rashes appear, patients should consult their pharmacist.

Kidney function declines continuously after the age of 40, making regular monitoring essential. Ideally, drug therapy should involve substances that do not excessively burden the kidneys. For instance, certain antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole can harm the kidneys. The combination of blood pressure reducers like ACE inhibitors and sartans with painkillers such as diclofenac, which is also available over-the-counter, should also be avoided.

ABDA represents pharmacists in Germany and focuses on drug safety and providing information to the public and healthcare professionals.