What side effect may occur due to decreased hepatic activity in older adults?

Decreased hepatic activity in older adults can lead to a reduction in the liver's ability to metabolize and eliminate drugs from the body efficiently. As a result, drug clearance may be notably slower, leading to prolonged drug action and increased risk of accumulation in the bloodstream. This can heighten the potential for toxicity and adverse effects associated with medications.

The metabolism of drugs is crucial for their clearance, and the liver is primarily responsible for this process. When hepatic function declines with age, it can significantly impact how long drugs remain active in the body, thus making delayed drug elimination a common concern in older patients. The implications are particularly important in managing medications, as dosages may need to be adjusted to prevent toxicity.

Increased cardiac output, risk of hypotension, and increased gastric absorption are less directly related to changes in hepatic activity and do not specifically illustrate the effects of aging on liver metabolism. Thus, the connection between hepatic function and drug elimination provides a clear understanding of why delayed drug elimination is a notable side effect in older adults with decreased hepatic activity.