As we age, we tend to have more health problems that need treatment. Aging also changes how the body absorbs and eliminates medicines. Older adults are at greater risk of side effects and drug interactions as a result.
When used properly, medicines can be useful or even life-saving. Using them the wrong way, however, may be dangerous. All drugs can have side effects, even nonprescription medicines. Not all medicines can be taken together safely.
To make sure that your medicines work best for you, make sure you know:
Tell your pharmacist and health care provider all the medicines you are taking, including nonprescription drugs, natural remedies, and supplements.
Here are medicines that are taken by many older adults and some of the problems they can cause.
Nonprescription medicines can be dangerous. They may be harmful to people with high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid problems. They may interact with your prescription medicines. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose the best one for your needs. Always read the directions on the medicine label.
Examples of nonprescription medicines that can cause problems in the older adult are:
Talk with your health care provider before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are NSAIDs that you may buy with or without a prescription. Adults over the age of 65 should not take NSAIDs for more than 5 days without their health care provider's approval. NSAIDs can cause kidney and stomach problems. These medicines can also make blood pressure medicines less effective.
Narcotic painkillers are used to relieve more severe pain. These medicines may cause confusion, sleepiness, and constipation.
Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist before you take pain medicine - even aspirin.
Diuretics, also called "water pills," reduce the amount of water in the body. They are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Diuretics may make you dizzy and increase your chances of falling.
Some diuretics may increase blood sugar levels. Talk with your health care provider about this if you have diabetes.
Diuretics can cause your body to lose potassium and other minerals. Signs that your body is low on potassium include: weakness, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat, constipation, or muscle cramps. If you have these symptoms, talk to your health care provider.
Some blood pressure medicines, especially beta-blockers, may make you dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Contact your health care provider if these symptoms continue or get worse.
Vasodilators widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure. You may feel dizzy or have headaches while taking these medicines. Older people may be more likely than younger people to have side effects. Your health care provider may prescribe another medicine if these side effects are severe.
Digoxin can help the heart work better. It can also slow the heart rate. Digoxin can lead to dangerous side effects if the dosage is too high. Signs of too much digoxin include nausea and vomiting, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, vision problems, irregular or slow heartbeat, confusion, and seeing or hearing things that are not there. If your heartbeat is slower than 50 beats per minute, or if you have any of these other symptoms, contact your health care provider right away.
Older adults are more likely to have side effects from these drugs. Sleeping pills can cause severe confusion or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) if you take too much.
Tranquilizers can help you feel calm, but they can also make you sleepy, dizzy, or confused. Any of these drugs can increase your chances of falling. They may be habit-forming if you take them for a long time.
If you think you may be having problems with these or any other medicines you are taking, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File AGI3026F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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