6 Common Over-the-Counter Drugs That Can Be Dangerous for Seniors

Older adults are more sensitive to medications and have higher risks and side effects from over-the-counter medications than younger adults. Over-the-counter medications used to treat common conditions can be dangerous for older adults…

1. Why older adults rely more on over-the-counter drugs

A recent review found that people aged 60 and older rely more on over-the-counter (OTC) medications than younger adults and often do not realize that OTC medications also come with risks and side effects.

A review of 20 studies published in the journal Cureus found that older adults rely on OTC medications because:

- Have used medications before and trust products they are familiar with.

- Don't want to go to the doctor for a prescription.

- Over-the-counter medications are often more affordable than prescription medications.

- Medications often recommended by friends and family.

According to the review, the most common health reasons for taking medication were headaches, stomachaches, coughs, joint pain, and fevers. Of these, the most commonly used non-prescription medications were painkillers.

Researchers also found that older adults are more likely to experience negative drug reactions than younger adults. While 86% of older adults in the study regularly used OTC drugs, only about half reported them to their doctors.

Elderly people need to be careful when taking medication.

2. Why are older adults more sensitive to drugs?

As we age, kidney and liver function declines, which can slow down the rate at which drugs are eliminated (affecting how the body processes drugs), resulting in increased side effects. In general, older adults are more sensitive to the effects of drugs (both therapeutic and side effects).

While patients may perceive over-the-counter medications as less risky than prescription medications, in reality, over-the-counter medications differ from prescription medications only in that they have been determined to be safe and effective for use by the general public without a doctor's prescription; they are no less effective or safer than prescription medications.

Because over-the-counter products are often marketed for symptom relief rather than active ingredients, people may not realize that two OTC medications, such as a cough medicine and a decongestant, contain the same active ingredient. If a person uses both products at the same time, they run the risk of accidentally taking an overdose.

The risk of drug interactions and side effects from nonprescription medications is even higher in older adults who are taking prescription medications at the same time.

3. Common over-the-counter medications that the elderly should be cautious about using

Analgesic

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as buprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, used to relieve pain, can cause ulcers and stomach bleeding. This is especially concerning if you take them with blood thinners or if you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Long-term use of these drugs can also cause heart and kidney problems.

A safer pain reliever option is Tylenol (acetaminophen), but be careful about the dosage and frequency of use. Long-term use of acetaminophen can cause liver problems. Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen, as the combination can increase the risk of liver toxicity.

Aspirin is also commonly taken daily to prevent heart attacks and strokes, but recent guidelines say that people who have never had a stroke or heart attack should not take aspirin daily. If you have had a stroke or heart attack, talk to your doctor about taking it.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) antihistamine

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used to treat mild allergic reactions, but should not be used as a sleep aid. Many other sleep aids on the market contain diphenhydramine. Use as directed by your doctor and only for the length of time prescribed. Long-term use may lead to cognitive problems, confusion, and memory loss... in older adults.

Pseudoephedrine nasal decongestant

Pseudoephedrine is the active ingredient in many decongestants, which can raise blood pressure. A better alternative is to choose a decongestant that is specifically made for people with high blood pressure, such as dextromethorphan + guaifenesin.

Even if older adults take blood pressure medication and their blood pressure is under control, decongestants can still increase blood pressure. Men with an enlarged prostate should be especially cautious with pseudoephedrine to avoid worsening urinary problems.

Heartburn medicine

Over-the-counter medications used to reduce stomach acid and treat heartburn, such as prilosec (omeprazole), nexium (esomeprazole), and prevacid (lansoprazole), are often abused for long-term use. However, long-term use of these medications can interfere with calcium absorption, increase the risk of bone fractures, cause diarrhea, and pneumonia.

Laxative (magnesium citrate)

These are over-the-counter medications commonly recommended for treating constipation, which carry a risk of side effects in people with kidney disease, especially with long-term use.

Oxybutynin Overactive Bladder Medication

The over-the-counter drug oxytrol (oxybutynin) can be effective for women with overactive bladder (for men, it still requires a prescription). However, it can cause side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation, which sometimes require additional medications to treat.

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