The Association of Age and Frailty with the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Metoclopramide

We have investigated the association of age and frailty with the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the conjugated drug, metoclopramide. Six healthy young, six healthy elderly (>65 years), and six frail elderly (>65 years) subjects were studied on two occasions, receiving 10 mg metoclopramide by intravenous bolus and orally, in random order. Blood and urine were collected for measurement of pharmacokinetic parameters. Liver volume was measured by ultrasound. Sedation and contentment were self-recorded on visual analogue scales. Liver volume was not significantly different in the three groups, nor was bio-availability of metoclopramide. Clearance was similar in the young and fit elderly but reduced in the frail elderly subjects when compared with the young (p