When administering medication to the elderly, what is the recommended approach for dosage?

Starting with a lower dosage and gradually increasing is recommended when administering medication to the elderly due to several important factors. As individuals age, their body composition, metabolism, and organ function can change significantly. These physiological alterations often lead to increased sensitivity to medications, a higher risk of adverse effects, and altered drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.

By beginning with a lower dose, healthcare providers can closely monitor the patient's response to the medication, making it easier to adjust the dosage upwards if necessary while minimizing the risk of overdose or harmful side effects. This cautious titration helps ensure effective therapeutic outcomes, particularly since older adults are often taking multiple medications that might interact.

The other strategies, such as starting high or administering the standard adult dosage, do not account for the unique needs of the elderly population and can lead to complications or ineffective treatment. Therefore, the approach of starting low and increasing gradually aligns with safe pharmacological practices for older adults.