How does aging affect the body’s response to medications?
Effects of Aging: Skin Can easily break down. Becomes drier. Can be itchy. • A moisturizing lotion or cream may be needed. Eyes May be drier. May see less clearly. • Have eyes and vision checked each year. • If eyes are dry, use a lubricating eye drop. Ears Hearing can diminish. • Have periodic hearing evaluations. • Ask questions to check understanding. Nose, Palate & Mouth The ability to smell and to taste is diminished. Reduced saliva. Foods may taste different. • Altered taste can reduce one’s appetite and may contribute to weight loss. • Foods may taste “bland,” which can cause excessive use of salt or other seasonings with adverse health consequences. • Medications may also alter taste, especially antibiotics. Captopril (Capoten®) or Nifedipine (Procardia®), used to control blood pressure, may cause a sweet, salty or metallic taste. Anticholinergics like Donnatal® or Levsin®, used for gastrointestinal spasm or cramps, and Detrol® or Ditropan®, prescribed for an overactive bladder
