Which change is seen in the metabolism of drugs in older adults?

In older adults, drug metabolism is often significantly affected due to various physiological changes that occur with aging. One of the primary changes is decreased liver function. The liver is a crucial organ for drug metabolism, and as individuals age, there can be a reduced liver size, decreased hepatic blood flow, and diminished enzyme activity. These factors contribute to an overall slowing of the metabolic process for many medications.

As a result of decreased liver function, older adults may experience prolonged drug action and potential accumulation of medications in their system, leading to increased risk of side effects and toxicity. This highlights the importance of dosage adjustments in geriatric patients and the need for careful monitoring when prescribing medications to this population. Understanding this change can help ensure safer and more effective medication management in older adults.