How Age and Gender Affect How Our Bodies Handle Medicines

Age and gender can really change how our bodies absorb, distribute, break down, and get rid of drugs. Let's break this down into simpler parts:

• Absorption: As people get older, their stomachs and intestines might work more slowly. This can affect how quickly medicines are absorbed into the body. For example, some medications might take a longer time to start working in older adults.

• Distribution: Men and women have different body types. Women usually have more body fat compared to muscle. This difference can change how certain drugs are spread throughout the body.

• Metabolism: As we age, our liver may not work as well as it used to. This can slow down how quickly our bodies break down drugs. Because of this, older people may need different dosages.

• Excretion: Aging also affects kidney function, meaning the kidneys might not work as effectively. This can lead to the need for adjusted medicine doses to avoid harming the body.

Rethinking how age and gender influence these processes helps doctors give the right medications at the right amounts for everyone.