Question

Why do drugs not have the same effect on all patients? What part does age play?

Answer 1

Drugs do not have the same effect on all patients because various factors such as age, gender, body weight, interactions with other drugs, tolerance play their role in controlling the effect of the drug on the patient. Age plays the role in controlling the effect of a drug because the absorption, distribution, body, activity, metabolism and excretion of the drug all depend upon the age of the patient. Apart from this comorbidities in old age generally lead to higher chances of potential for medication complications due to polypharmacy.

Reference:

Lew-Sang E. (1975). Factors affecting drug action. The Australian nurses' journal. Royal Australian Nursing Federation, 4(10), 21–22.