Pharmacological aspects of electrolyte disturbances in older people

Disturbances of fluid and electrolytes are common in older people due to changes in renal function, the neurohumoral controls of sodium, potassium and water homeostasis, and reduced baroreceptor and sympathetic nervous system activity. This endogenous predisposition to disturbances of fluid and electrolytes is exacerbated by drugs that impact on these control mechanisms. Awareness of the changes in control mechanisms and how drugs impact on salt and water balance may help to prevent fluid and electrolyte disturbances and their associated morbidity and mortality in older people.