Because older adults often have long-term health conditions that require treatment with multiple medications, there is a greater chance of experiencing unwanted drug side effects. Older people can also be more sensitive to certain medications.
To help you make better-informed decisions about your medications, and to lower your chances of overmedication and serious drug reactions, the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends that older people be cautious about using the following types of medications, including some that can be purchased without a prescription (over-the-counter).
Medication |
Reason |
USE WITH CAUTION NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) AVOID regular, long-term use of NSAIDs
|
NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding stomach ulcers. They can also increase blood pressure, affect your kidneys, and make heart failure worse. |
USE WITH CAUTION Digoxin (Lanoxin)
|
It can be toxic in older adults and people whose kidneys do not work well. |
AVOID Certain Diabetes Drugs
|
These can cause dangerously low blood sugar. |
AVOID Muscle Relaxants
|
They can leave you feeling groggy and confused, increase your risk of falls, and cause constipation, dry mouth, and problems urinating. Plus, there is little evidence that they work well. |
AVOID Certain Medications used for Anxiety and/or Insomnia
|
They can increase your risk of falls, as well as cause confusion. Because it takes your body a long time to get rid of these drugs, these effects can carry into the day after you take the medication. |
AVOID Certain Anticholinergic Drugs
|
They can cause confusion, constipation, dry mouth, blurry vision, and problems urinating (in men). |
AVOID the Pain Reliever Meperidine (Demerol) | It can increase the risk of seizures and can cause confusion. |
AVOID Certain Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products
|
Although these medications are sold without a prescription, they are not risk- free. They can cause confusion, blurred vision, constipation, problems urinating, and dry mouth. |
If you are NOT being treated for psychosis, use Antipsychotics WITH CAUTION
|
They can increase the risk of stroke or even death in older adults with dementia. They can also cause tremors and other side effects, as well as increase your risk of falls. |
AVOID Estrogen pills and patches
|
They can increase your risk of breast cancer and blood clots. |
Last Updated January 2019