Pharmacokinetics
At this point in the course, we have considered many aspects of pharmacokinetics. We have studied “rapid metabolizers” of codeine in unit 2, and you are currently studying renal drugs and the most important determinant of drug dosing in the elderly–creatinine clearance. Recently, new renal markers have been identified that can help monitor kidney function (and ostensibly, drug clearance) even before serum creatinine levels increase. In the cardiac drugs, we have examined the different aspects of warfarin metabolism in patients who have varying responses to that drug. And by now, hopefully, you are also getting an appreciation for a certain handful of drugs that you must always be mindful and careful of–the drugs that are potent inhibitors or inducers of certain P450 enzymes and P-glycoprotein.
When you consider that the average 65-year-old American takes 13-16 medications at any given time, the worry of polypharmacy, drug interactions, and adverse reactions is very real!
In this post, I would like you to share a clinical experience you may have had where pharmacokinetics have had to be considered and why. It is not enough to post “I had to measure CrCl because the patient was old”. Think about how drugs may interact and cause adverse reactions, near-misses, or events that necessitate a re-visit to a health care provider.
This Forum post is worth 40 points. You will post your comment on drug pharmacokinetics. Once you post, you will be able to see posts by your classmates. Cross-posting is necessary to get all 40 points. The rubric is below:
40 points: student posted information relevant to the topic with up-to-date information and discussion pertinent to the forum topic. On cross-post, the student continued to contribute in a meaningful way. You will have to cite at least one credible (somewhat current) medical reference.
20 points: The student posted information from a source such as the textbook. Student cross-posted but not in a way that contributed a great deal to the discussion.
10 points: The student posted but did not cross-post.
0 points: No participation by the student..
