As you grow older, you are more likely to develop long-term health conditions that require taking multiple medications. Many older people also take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, or supplements. As a result, older adults have a higher risk of overmedication and unwanted drug reactions (adverse drug reactions).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adverse drug reactions result in over 700,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms each year. Many adverse drug reactions can be prevented.
To lower the chances of overmedication and adverse drug reactions, the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends the following tips for safe medication use.
Ask Before Taking an OTC
Some over-the-counter medications (OTCs) can cause serious side effects in older adults. Some OTC medications—like ibuprofen and naproxen—have different names but belong to the same drug type or category. Taking both drugs at the same time is the same as taking a double dose, and could cause problems. Also, OTC drugs and supplements may interact with your prescription medications.
- You should always check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any OTC drug or supplement.
Make a List and Keep it Updated
Make a list of all the medications you take, their doses, and how often you take them. Be sure to include in the list any OTC drugs, vitamins, supplements, or herbal or other remedies. Remember to add any new medications or doses to your list when a change is made.
- Share this list—and any updates—with all of your healthcare providers and caregivers. You should keep a copy too. Take the list with you to each medical appointment, and carry the list with you at all times, in case of a medical emergency.
Review Your Medications
Once or twice a year, ask your primary healthcare provider to review your list of medications, supplements, and vitamins.
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Ask whether you still need to take each one at its current dose. Your provider may want to stop some of your medications.
Ask Questions
Whenever you are prescribed a new medication or your dosage is changed, ask why. Ask your provider or pharmacist to check any new medications in a drug interaction database, especially if you’re already taking five or more medications.
- Also ask:
- What is the purpose of the medication, and how will I know if it is working?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- When and how should I take the medication?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Will the medication interact with other medications I’m taking?
- Will it impact any other medical conditions that I may have?
- Is a generic or lower-cost brand name version of the medication available?
Organize Your Medications
Consider using a weekly medication organizer. If you have vision problems, your pharmacist can put large print labels on your medication bottles.
- Ask your pharmacist for tips on how to organize and keep track of your medications.
Follow Directions
Take your medications exactly as directed by your healthcare providers. Be sure you understand how, when, and for how long you should take the medication. Try to have all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy so the pharmacist is aware of all the different medications you are taking.
- Tell your pharmacist about any bad reactions you’ve had to medications in the past.
Report Problems
If you begin to have new health problems after starting a new medication, you may be having a reaction to the medication. If so, tell your healthcare provider right away.
Medication Don'ts
- Don’t take medication that is not prescribed for you
- Don’t use medication that has passed its expiration date
- Don’t stop taking a medication just because you feel better
- Don’t drink alcohol when you take medication for sleep, pain, anxiety, or depression
Last Updated January 2019