How does the distribution of drugs vary in elderly patients?

Elderly patients often experience changes in physiological factors that can affect how drugs are distributed in their bodies. One significant change is the decrease in cardiac output, which can lead to slower distribution of medications. As cardiac output diminishes, the blood flow to various tissues is reduced, which can result in medications taking longer to reach their target sites within the body.

Additionally, the elderly may have changes in body composition, such as an increase in body fat and a decrease in total body water, which can further influence how drugs are distributed. Certain medications that are lipophilic may become more concentrated in body fat, while hydrophilic drugs may have a reduced volume of distribution.

Overall, recognizing that drug distribution may be slower in elderly patients due to these physiological changes is crucial for safe and effective medication management in this population.