In geriatric patients, which age-related change most affects transdermal drug absorption?

In geriatric patients, which age-related change most affects transdermal drug absorption?

• A. Increased renal function
• B. Altered circulatory status
• C. Improved gastric emptying
• D. Elevated hepatic enzyme levels

Answer: (B)

Transdermal absorption hinges on diffusion through the skin and entry into dermal blood vessels, so how well the drug gets into the bloodstream depends a lot on blood flow to the skin. In older adults, circulatory changes often mean reduced skin perfusion, which lowers the rate at which absorbed drug enters systemic circulation and can make absorption slower and more variable. That altered circulatory status is the factor that most directly influences transdermal absorption. Renal function affects drug elimination, not the initial absorption. Improved gastric emptying would matter for oral drugs, not transdermal ones. Elevated hepatic enzyme levels influence metabolism after absorption, not the amount absorbed through the skin.

Transdermal absorption hinges on diffusion through the skin and entry into dermal blood vessels, so how well the drug gets into the bloodstream depends a lot on blood flow to the skin. In older adults, circulatory changes often mean reduced skin perfusion, which lowers the rate at which absorbed drug enters systemic circulation and can make absorption slower and more variable. That altered circulatory status is the factor that most directly influences transdermal absorption.

Renal function affects drug elimination, not the initial absorption. Improved gastric emptying would matter for oral drugs, not transdermal ones. Elevated hepatic enzyme levels influence metabolism after absorption, not the amount absorbed through the skin.