Therapeutic
Considerations for Special Populations
There are many circumstances that may alter an individuals response to medications. Developmental and pathophysiologic conditions need to be considered whenever medications are used. Some of the more common disease states for which medications are used include cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Often medications will be taken for the treatment of these diseases that will place the individual at risk for drug-drug interactions. Individuals with substance abuse problems such as alcohol abuse also require special considerations for pharmacotherapeutics.
Developmental issues examine both diagnostic and treatment issues across the life span. Immature organ function in children alters the metabolism of many drugs. Additionally, declining organ function in the elderly profoundly alters drug distribution and metabolism. Women of child bearing age present a unique area of concern. Pregnancy requires that the risk of drug toxicity to both the mother and her unborn child be examined. Also, many drugs can cross into breast milk. Therefore treatment of women of child bearing age must take these issues into consideration.
Ó JPFrizzell
2002