How does aging typically affect metabolism and drug clearance in the elderly?

Aging is associated with a decline in metabolic processes in the body, particularly in the liver, where many drugs are metabolized. This reduction in metabolic rate can lead to decreased effectiveness of drug clearance. Furthermore, renal function typically diminishes with age, impacting the body's ability to excrete medications and other substances efficiently.

As a result, the correct understanding is that aging can decrease overall metabolism and also may lead to a decline in renal clearance. These changes necessitate careful consideration when prescribing medications to older patients, as they are at an increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to potential accumulation and prolonged effects of medications in the body. Adjusting dosages or monitoring therapeutic levels becomes crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmacological treatments in this population.