Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Because their bodies become more sensitive to medications over time, older people are more likely than younger people to experience adverse effects from over-the-counter treatments.
- Prescription meds are not always less effective than over-the-counter medications.
- Make sure the over-the-counter medicine you are taking does not contain the same active ingredient by checking the ingredients listed on the container.
People age 60 and older use over-the-counter (OTC) medications more often than younger adults, according to a new assessment of more than two dozen studies. However, many of these individuals are unaware of the health risks and adverse effects associated with OTC medications.
- An analysis published in the journal CURIOUS found that OTC medications are used by older adults for a variety of reasons.
- There is no need for a doctor’s prescription visit as they have already used them and trust the items.
- OTC drugs are often less expensive than prescription drugs.
- Frequently, friends, family, and physicians promote drugs.
The research found that headache, stomach upset, cough, joint pain and fever were the most prevalent medical reasons for taking the drug. Headache was the most prevalent ailment mentioned by participants and the most frequently used over-the-counter pain reliever.
The researchers also found that “younger people are more likely to have negative reactions to medication than older people.” This can be problematic if they require medical attention for those reactions. At a 2013 FDA seminar on over-the-counter medications and older adults, 86% of participants reported using OTC medications regularly, but only half of them disclosed this information to their doctors.
Related: Your Insurance May Soon Cover These OTC Products
Why Are Older Adults More Sensitive to Medication?
Hedva Berenholtz Levy, Pharm.D., a geriatric pharmacist, told Verywell that as people age, their bodies react differently to medications. Some may experience decreased liver and kidney function, which can reduce how quickly the drug is cleared from the body. Increased side effects are the result.
“Overall, older people are more susceptible to the positive and negative effects of drugs. This means that older people will benefit from lower doses and, according to Barenholtz Levy, are more likely to experience side effects.
Although OTC drugs are considered less dangerous to patients than prescription drugs, Steven Albert, PhD, chair of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, told Veriwell that “OTC drugs are different from prescription drugs. They are safe and effective without a doctor’s prescription.” are defined as effective;
Albert believes that many older individuals may be unknowingly abusing non-prescription drugs as a result. People may not know that two over-the-counter medications—for example, one for cough and one for congestion—have the same active ingredients because the products are promoted more toward treating symptoms than active ingredients.
“It’s possible that OTC medicine is the only field in which people are expected to choose their own treatment, decide when to start and stop, and independently assess [effectiveness],” Albert said. “More physician and pharmacist involvement is needed in over-the-counter consultations, improved consumer education, and improved product packaging. It may be worthwhile to consider age-appropriate pharmacy aisles where OTC products are tested and pharmacist consultations are more readily available.
Top OTC Medications to Take With Caution
Pain Relievers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, include aspirin, Aleve (naproxen), and Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen). All of them can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. According to Barenholtz Levy, this is especially worrisome if you use blood thinners, have uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure. Long-term use can cause kidney and heart related problems. Check the label to find out how much Tylenol (acetaminophen) to take and how often, but ask your doctor if this is a safe option. Long-term use of acetaminophen can cause liver problems. Additionally, you’ll want to refer to the label for instructions on how much alcohol to avoid while taking acetaminophen. The mixture can cause organ failure.
Takeaway
Although daily aspirin is recommended to prevent heart attacks and strokes, the new guidelines state that people who have never had a heart attack or stroke should not take daily aspirin. If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of taking aspirin regularly.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Boling told Verywell that while having Benadryl on hand is fine to treat occasional minor allergic responses, it should not be used as a sleep aid.
Albert claims that diphenhydramine is an ingredient in various sleep aids available. Use them as directed by your doctor and for the recommended duration. Long-term use can cause memory loss, disorientation and cognitive problems.
Pseudoephedrine
The active ingredient in some generic decongestants as well as Sudafed Sinus Congestion 24 Hour is pseudoephedrine. Blood pressure may rise as a result.
Takeaway
According to Barenholtz Levy, a preferable option is a decongestant designed specifically for patients with high blood pressure, such as Coricidin HBP Chest Congestion and Cough (dextromethorphan and guaifenesin).
According to Bolling, decongestants can raise blood pressure levels even if you take medication for it and your blood pressure is under control. For this reason, it is important to seek the help of a pharmacist for assistance in choosing a safer option. If you’re shopping online, choose an online pharmacy that has a pharmacist on staff so you can ask questions about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Men with an enlarged prostate should avoid pseudoephedrine to avoid exacerbating urinary problems.
Related: The Decongestant in Sudafed PE and Dayquil Doesn’t Work—Here’s What to Take Instead
Heartburn Medications
Heartburn is treated with over-the-counter medications that reduce stomach acid, such as Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole). Although they are designed for temporary use, Boling noted that individuals frequently use them for months or years. Medications increase the chance of bone fractures by interfering with calcium absorption. They can also result in pneumonia and diarrhea.
Milk of Magnesia and Magnesium Citrate
These are well-known over-the-counter medications that are frequently recommended to treat constipation. Those with kidney problems should be aware of the possibility of adverse effects, especially if they are taken frequently, according to Barenholtz Levy. If constipation is a problem for you, increase your intake of water, high-fiber foods, and regular exercise. If lifestyle changes don’t work for you, ask your doctor about non-prescription or prescription options you can try. Stool softeners may be helpful.