Which population may require adjusted dosing of antiplatelet agents due to increased risk of bleeding?

The choice of older adults as the population requiring adjusted dosing of antiplatelet agents due to an increased risk of bleeding is based on several factors related to age and physiology.

As individuals age, their bodies undergo various changes that can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications. Older adults often have diminished renal and hepatic function, which can influence how drugs are metabolized and cleared from their system. This diminished function can lead to increased drug exposure and, consequently, a heightened risk of adverse effects, including bleeding complications associated with antiplatelet therapy.

In addition, older adults frequently present with multiple comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which may require them to be on several medications that can interact with antiplatelet agents. This polypharmacy can compound the risk of bleeding.

The risk of falls and trauma also tends to increase with age, further contributing to the potential for serious bleeding if antiplatelet therapy is not carefully managed. Hence, healthcare providers often consider these factors and may need to adjust the dosing of antiplatelet agents in older adults to ensure their safety while effectively managing their cardiovascular risk.

The other populations listed do not generally demonstrate the same level of risk for