Researchers also found that seniors are more likely to experience negative medication responses than younger people.
Why Are Older Adults More Sensitive to Medication?
Bodies handle medicines differently as they age,Hedva Barenholtz Levy PharmD,a geriatric pharmacist, told Verywell.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
The result is increased side effects.
In general, older adults are more sensitive to the effects of medications, both good and bad.
As a result, Albert suspects unintentional misuse of nonprescription drugs may be at play among many older adults.
If they use two products, they risk an unintentional overdose, Albert said.
All of them can causeulcers and stomach bleeding.
Long-term use can cause heart and kidney problems.
Long-term use of acetaminophen can cause liver problems.
You should also check the label for guidance on limiting alcohol while on acetaminophen.
The combination can cause organ failure.
According to Albert, many other sleep aids on the market contain diphenhydramine.
Use them under doctors orders and only for the length of time the doctor advises.
Long-term use can lead to cognition issues, confusion, and memory loss.
It can increase blood pressure.
Men with an enlarged prostate should steer clear of pseudoephedrine to avoid worsening urinary issues.
Stop using it after three days to avoid a return of stuffiness.
Theyre meant for short-term use, but people often stay on them for months or years, Boling said.
The concern with the drugs is that they can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to bone fractures.
They can also cause diarrhea and pneumonia.
Milk of Magnesia and Magnesium Citrate
These are well-known nonprescription drugs often recommended to treat constipation.
If constipation is a problem, drink more water, eat more fiber, and get daily exercise.
A stool softener may help.
Oxytrol
Over-the-counter Oxytrol (oxybutynin) can be effective for women with overactive bladders.
(For men, the medicine still requires a prescription.)
However, it can cause side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation.
Barenholtz Levy notes more drugs are sometimes needed to treat the side effects.
Before trying medication, ask your doctor for information onKegel exercisesthat can strengthen your pelvic floor.
The center is staffed by nurses, pharmacists, and physicians.
Ghodkhande KP, Choudhari SG, Gaidhane A.Self-medication practices among the geriatric population: a systematic literature review.Cureus.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.Can you use Flonase when you have glaucoma?.
