Prescription, Nonprescription, and Herbal Medication Research Paper

Prescription, Nonprescription, and Herbal Medication - Research Paper Example As the essay declares the aging process is defined by numerous impairments of several regulatory processes that play a critical role in cells and organs. In addition, other physiological changes are evident in advanced age, and have the capacity to affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. The geriatric population exhibits cardiac dysfunctions. The relaxation and contraction of heart muscles change remarkably a one ages. Blood flow becomes slower, a factor that may affect drug distribution. In addition, aging brings about the reduction of renal mass. Fewer nephrons define the reduction of renal mass. According to the research findings there is a notable delay in the kidney functions, a factor that affects the elimination of drugs. The gastrointestinal system is also affected by aging because elderly people have lower rates of hydrochloric acid and pepsin. Research has highlighted that aging may contribute to potential changes in the enzyme secreting cells or hormonal glands a factor that minimizes the efficiency of the gastrointestinal system. In the small intestines, absorption of some substances reduces with age, while in the colon, the transit time may prove to be slower. Other digestive enzymes such as lipase and trypsin usually decrease as one age. The liver is a critical organ in the metabolism of drugs. With advancing age comes a remarkable reduction in the liver blood flow. In other cases, the liver structure may change over time while enzymes may cease to function effectively.