What is a common consequence of altered pharmacokinetics in elderly patients?

In elderly patients, altered pharmacokinetics often leads to an increased risk of drug accumulation and potential toxicity. This occurs due to several physiological changes associated with aging, including declines in liver and kidney function, which are critical for drug metabolism and excretion.

As individuals age, there is generally a reduction in liver size and hepatic blood flow, impacting the liver's ability to metabolize medications effectively. Additionally, renal function tends to decline, which can significantly affect the elimination of drugs that are primarily excreted by the kidneys. As a result, drugs that might have been well-tolerated at younger ages may reach higher plasma concentrations in older adults, leading to an increased risk of adverse drug reactions or toxicity.

In this context, improved drug metabolism, decreased sensitivity to medications, or enhanced drug distribution are not typically seen outcomes in elderly patients. Instead, clinicians need to be vigilant about dosing adjustments and careful monitoring when prescribing medications to this population to mitigate risks associated with drug accumulation.