Every medication has benefits and side effects. When side effects outweighs the benefits the same medication that is used to help patients can become harmful. Many older adults have multiple chronic medical problems and have to take more than one medication. Interactions between different medications can worsen the side effects.
In addition when we get older our body go through changes which causes problems with absorption , metabolism and elimination of the medication. Because of that normal dose of medication can cause overdose and cause harm. Even over the counter medications must be used with caution in older adults.
NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil)
- NSAIDS are used to reduce inflammation and pain.
- When using regularly for long term it can cause ulcer and bleeding in the stomach
- It can also increase blood pressure, worsen your kidney function and heart failure
- If you cannot find an alternate medication, talk to your doctor to avoid harmful consequences.
Certain Diabetic Medication (Glyburide, Short acting insulin)
- Certain diabetic medication such as Glyburide should be avoided in elderly people, since it can drop your blood sugar to a dangerously low level.
- Low blood pressure is dangerous since it can increase the risk of fall, cause coma or even death.
- If you are currently taking this medication, do not stop without consulting a physician. Talk to you doctor to see if there is an alternate medication to control your blood sugar.
Muscle Relaxant
- Certain Muscle relaxant such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), methocarbamol (Robaxin), carisoprodol (Soma) can be dangerous in older patients
- Muscle relaxants are used for pain relief
- These medications can make you confused, cause drowsiness and increase the risk of fall in older adults
- They can also cause constipation, dry mouth, and problems urinating
Anxiety & Sleep Medications
- Medications such as benzodiazepine (Xanax, Valium, Ativan) and sleep aids such as Zolpidem (Ambien) and Zaleplon can cause more harm than benefit in older adults.
- These medications can make you confused, cause drowsiness and increase the risk of fall in older adults
- In higher doses they can even cause you stop breathing by suppressing the respiratory drive.
Anticholinergic Medications
- Medications such as Bentyl (Dicyclomine) for Irritable bowel syndrome or certain antidepressants such as Amitriptyline needs to be used with caution in Elderly.
- They can cause confusion, constipation, dry mouth, blurry vision, and problems urinating
Blood Thinners
- Blood Thinners such as Warfarin, Eliquis, Lovenox , Apixaban are used for DVT, Pulmonary embolism or for patients with Atrial Fibrillation to avoid blood clots.
- Since Elderly people are at high risk for Fall, it can increase internal bleeding by thinning the blood.
- If you are taking blood thinners do not stop without talking to your Doctor.
- Talk to your Doctor to see the risks and benefits and to keep a close look on the medication level.
OVER THE counter medications (OTC)
- OTC medications that contain antihistamin such as sleep aids , cough syrups and allergy medications can cause confusion, blurred vision, constipation, problems urinating, dry mouth and fall.
Gastrointestinal medications
- Long term use of Proton Pump inhibitors such as Omeprazole (Prilosec), Pantoprazole (Protonix), Esomoprazole (Nexium) for Acid reflux or stomach ulcer can cause bone loss and lead to high risk of fractures
Mediculous 