Which lifespan group shows heightened drug sensitivity and increased risk for adverse drug reactions?

The correct answer is the group of older adult patients. This demographic experiences heightened drug sensitivity and an increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to several physiological changes that occur with aging.

As individuals age, there are various alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. For instance, age-related changes in body composition, hepatic metabolism, and renal function can significantly impact how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. Older adults typically have decreased renal clearance, which can lead to the accumulation of medications and a longer half-life for many drugs, amplifying their effects and side effects.

Moreover, polypharmacy—where older adults often take multiple medications for chronic conditions—can further complicate their treatment regimens. Interactions between these medications can result in unexpected side effects or diminished therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, older individuals might have multiple comorbidities, which necessitate the use of various medications that can interact adversely or exacerbate existing conditions.

While pediatric patients also demonstrate heightened sensitivity to medications largely due to their developing physiology, the prevalence of polypharmacy and the complexity of treatment regimens in older adults typically places them at a greater risk for adverse reactions and drug sensitivities than younger groups, including adolescents and middle-aged adults.