What is one way that age can influence pharmacokinetics?

Age can necessitate dose adjustments because pharmacokinetics, which involves the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs, can significantly change with age. In the elderly, for instance, physiological changes such as reduced renal function, altered hepatic metabolism, and changes in body composition can affect how a drug is processed in the body. Consequently, these factors can lead to an increased risk of drug accumulation and toxicity if standard adult dosages are used.

For example, a medication that is normally metabolized in the liver may take longer to be processed in an older adult due to decreased liver function, thereby necessitating a lower dose or a modified dosing schedule to minimize side effects. Similarly, changes in renal function can impact how drugs are excreted, further requiring adjustments in dosing to maintain therapeutic efficacy while avoiding toxicity.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent how age impacts pharmacokinetics. Drug excretion is only one part of the pharmacokinetic process rather than exclusively affected by age. Although age may have minor effects on drug absorption, it is not accurate to state that it has no impact. Also, while marketing strategies can consider demographics, they are not a direct factor in pharmacokinetics itself.