Question

Which of the following would be an example of an alteration in drug effect because of a pharmacodynamic change?

Question 5 options:

	a) diminished response to the heart rate lowering effects of a beta blocker in older adults because numbers of beta1 receptors on the heart decrease as the heart ages
	b) increased response to a sedative medication because of decreased metabolism in a patient with alcohol-induced liver disease
	c) increased toxicity from a chemotherautic drug in an older adult with diminished renal function
	d) abnormally long-lasting effect from the paralytic drug, succinylcholine, when it is given to a patient who lacks the enzyme pseudocholinesterase

Answer 1

Pharmacodynamic changes involves alteration in the sensitivity to various class of drugs such as cardiovascular drugs, which may be due to age relate physiological changes in the organ system. However, pharmacokinetic changes includes the reduction in the renal of hepatic functions that affect absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of a drugs.

Option "a) diminished response to the heart rate lowering effects of a beta blocker in older adults because numbers of beta1 receptors on the heart decrease as the heart ages" is the example of altration in drug effect because of a pharmacodynamic changes because the effect of drugs is affeced due to sensitivity of of drug as the number of receptors becomes less reponsive or lesser in number as the age increases.

Option b) is an example of pharmacokinetic changes as there is decrease in the metabolism due to dysfunctioning of liver.

Option c) is also an example of pharmacokinet changes as there is reduction in the renal function.

Option d) is also an example of pharmacokinetic changes as there is reduction in the breakdown of the drug due to lack of enzyme, due to this the drug act for longer time.

Hence, Option a) is correct.