Which type of drugs tend to have a less intense effect but longer duration in elderly patients?

Fat-soluble drugs are known to have a less intense effect but a longer duration in elderly patients due to several pharmacokinetic changes that occur with aging. As people age, their body composition changes, often leading to an increase in body fat and a decrease in lean body mass and total body water. Since fat-soluble drugs are distributed in fatty tissues, they tend to accumulate over time in the body, resulting in prolonged effects after administration.

In elderly patients, renal and hepatic functions may be diminished, impacting the metabolism and excretion of these drugs. Consequently, the half-life of fat-soluble drugs can be extended, leading to longer-lasting effects compared to younger individuals who may metabolize the same drug more quickly. This means that fat-soluble drugs can remain in circulation for a longer period, often resulting in cumulative effects with repeated dosing.

The other types of drugs mentioned do not exhibit the same prolonged duration due to either a different distribution pattern or metabolic behavior. Water-soluble drugs, for instance, are distributed in the body's water compartments and are typically cleared faster due to their hydrophilic nature. Highly protein-bound drugs may initially appear to have longer effects, but their duration largely depends on factors like protein levels and the presence of competing substances, rather