In regard to drug distribution patterns, which statement is false?

In regard to drug distribution patterns, which statement is false?

• A. Drug metabolism is slower in newborns than adults.
• B. Drug metabolism is more rapid for 6-year-old children than for adults.
• C. Renal clearance of drugs is faster in newborns than adults.
• D. Drug metabolism often changes during pubescence.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how maturation of organs that handle drug elimination changes pharmacokinetics with age. In newborns, the kidneys are immature. Glomerular filtration rate is low and tubular secretion is not fully developed, so drugs that rely on renal excretion are cleared more slowly than in adults. That means renal clearance in newborns is not faster; it’s slower, especially in the immediate neonatal period. As children grow, renal function matures and clearance increases, but during the newborn period it is typically reduced compared with adults. So the statement claiming renal clearance of drugs is faster in newborns than adults is not correct. The other statements align with established patterns: drug metabolism tends to be slower in newborns because hepatic enzymes are immature; by about age six, some children can metabolize certain drugs more rapidly than adults due to enzyme maturation; and puberty brings hormonal changes that further alter metabolic enzyme activity.

The key idea is how maturation of organs that handle drug elimination changes pharmacokinetics with age. In newborns, the kidneys are immature. Glomerular filtration rate is low and tubular secretion is not fully developed, so drugs that rely on renal excretion are cleared more slowly than in adults. That means renal clearance in newborns is not faster; it’s slower, especially in the immediate neonatal period. As children grow, renal function matures and clearance increases, but during the newborn period it is typically reduced compared with adults. So the statement claiming renal clearance of drugs is faster in newborns than adults is not correct.

The other statements align with established patterns: drug metabolism tends to be slower in newborns because hepatic enzymes are immature; by about age six, some children can metabolize certain drugs more rapidly than adults due to enzyme maturation; and puberty brings hormonal changes that further alter metabolic enzyme activity.