Senior Drug Dosing: Safe Medication Use for Older Adults

When it comes to senior drug dosing, the process of adjusting medication amounts for older adults based on changes in metabolism, kidney function, and body composition. Also known as geriatric dosing, it's not just a smaller pill—it's a complete rethink of how drugs behave in an aging body. As we get older, our liver and kidneys don't work as fast. That means drugs stick around longer, building up to dangerous levels even at standard doses. A pill that’s safe for a 40-year-old can be risky for a 70-year-old, not because it’s stronger, but because the body can't clear it the same way.

This is why polypharmacy in seniors, the use of multiple medications at once by older patients. Also known as multiple drug regimens, it is one of the biggest risks in older adults. Taking five or more drugs increases the chance of harmful interactions. For example, a blood pressure pill combined with a painkiller and a sleep aid can slow breathing or drop blood pressure too far. And it’s not just about pills—over-the-counter meds, supplements, and even herbal teas can interfere. The age-related drug metabolism, how the body’s ability to absorb, break down, and remove medications changes with age means even small changes in dose can have big effects. A 25% reduction might be the difference between relief and a hospital visit.

Many seniors are on medications for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis, but their bodies handle these drugs differently than younger people. Kidney function drops naturally after 60, and muscle mass decreases, which changes how drugs are distributed. Some meds become more potent, others less effective. That’s why doctors now use tools like the Beers Criteria or STOPP/START guidelines to flag risky drugs for older adults. It’s not about cutting meds—it’s about choosing the right ones at the right dose. And it’s not just the doctor’s job. Seniors and caregivers need to track every pill, including vitamins and supplements, and speak up if they feel dizzy, confused, or unusually tired after starting something new.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of random drug facts—it’s a practical guide to what actually matters when managing meds in later life. From how insulin doses need to change with age, to why certain heart drugs require extra caution, to how common painkillers can harm the liver in seniors—each article cuts through the noise. You’ll see real examples, real risks, and real fixes that come from years of clinical experience, not textbook theory. This isn’t about fear. It’s about control. Knowing how your body changes means you can stay healthy, stay independent, and avoid avoidable problems.