The effect of the aging process on gastric emptying was studied in 11 elderly subjects (mean age, 77) and in 7 young healthy volunteers (mean age, 26). Gastric emptying rates were assessed by a modified sequential scinti-scanning technique after administration of the nonabsorbable chelated radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-DTPA. The rate of emptying, expressed as half-time (T 1/2e) in minutes, was significantly longer (p less than 0.001) in the elderly subjects (mean apparent T 1/2e = 123.23 min) compared to the young healthy volunteers (mean apparent T 1/2e = 49.69 min). Clinical implications of these findings are discussed, particularly with respect to the rate and extent of drug absorption in elderly persons.

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The pharmacokinetics of sulphamethizole, paracetamol and phenylbutazone were investigated and compared in young and geriatric subjects. The rate and extent of absorption of the drugs did not appear to be affected by increasing subject age. However, the mean half-lives for sulphamethizole and paracetamol were significantly increased in the geriatric subjects. A number of correlations are presented between the elimination rate constants of the drugs and certain subject parameters and variables. The elimination of phenylbutazone was found not to be influenced significantly by subject age. The apparent volumes of distribution of the three drugs were not age-dependent.