In terms of different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions,
geriatric patients exhibit greater sensitivity to anesthetics. Therefore, understanding the
differences in body composition, hepatic and renal function, changes in protein
binding, and minimal alveolar concentration are the key to titration of anesthetics in
geriatric patients. In addition, polypharmacy, use of non-prescription medications and
adverse medications related events warrant special considerations for the geriatric
population, more so than in their younger counterparts. Lastly, careful titration of
anesthetics may minimize the development of postoperative delirium and postoperative
cognitive dysfunction, which are associated with higher morbidity, mortality, length of
hospitalization, and overall cost.
Keywords: Geriatric anesthesia, Geriatric pharmacology, Geriatric pharmacokinetics, Geriatric pharmacodynamics, Geriatric body composition, Geriatric hepatic function, Geriatric renal function, Protein binding, Minimum alveolar concentration, Geriatric anesthetic dosing, Geriatric polypharmacy, Beers criteria.