What does a longer half-life indicate?

A longer half-life of a drug indicates a higher concentration of the drug in the blood and a longer duration of its pharmacological effect. This situation may be caused by a slower drug metabolism rate or a slower body metabolism rate.

1. Slower Drug Metabolism Rate: If the metabolism rate of a drug is relatively slow during its administration, the metabolic time in the body is relatively longer. Consequently, the drug maintains a higher concentration in the blood, which is a normal phenomenon. Based on individual conditions, the dosage can be appropriately increased to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

2. Slower Body Metabolism Rate: If an individual's metabolism rate is relatively slow, the metabolic time of the drug in the body is also relatively longer, which can extend the half-life of the drug. If no obvious symptoms of discomfort appear, drinking more water can be adopted to improve the situation and promote drug metabolism.

In daily life, patients should strictly follow the doctor's instructions and take medication on time to avoid discomfort.