Clinical Strategies: Older age

In the later stages of life, body mass falls and the proportion of body fat increases, resulting in an overall reduction in body water content. Renal function also declines, resulting in slower clearance of aminoglycosides, so doses may need to be reduced and dosing intervals extended, as discussed in previous steps.

Older and frail adults are also at an increased risk of side effects from aminoglycosides, particularly hearing problems and kidney damage. All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when using aminoglycosides in this population.