As the aging population turns to over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for various health concerns, a recent review of numerous studies sheds light on the concerning trend of older adults relying heavily on these medications, often without a full understanding of the associated health risks and side effects.
The study, published in the journal Cureus, unveils the reasons behind this reliance and highlights the potential pitfalls that come with it.
Why Older Adults Rely on OTC Drugs
The review identifies several reasons why individuals aged 60 and older gravitate towards OTC drugs:
- Familiarity and Trust: Older adults often opt for OTC drugs they have used before and trust due to familiarity with the products.
- Convenience: OTC drugs do not require a doctor’s prescription, making them easily accessible without the need for a medical visit.
- Affordability: OTC drugs are often more budget-friendly compared to prescription medications.
- Recommendations: Doctors, friends, and family frequently recommend OTC drugs, further influencing the decision to use them.
Common Health Reasons and Risks
The most prevalent health issues leading older adults to OTC drugs include headaches, abdominal pain, cough, joint pain, and fever. However, the study reveals a concerning trend – seniors are more likely to experience negative medication responses compared to their younger counterparts.
The aging process alters how bodies handle medicines, with a decrease in kidney and liver function among older adults. This can result in a slower elimination of drugs from the body, leading to increased side effects. Older adults tend to be more sensitive to medication effects, necessitating lower doses for effectiveness and posing a higher risk of adverse effects.
While OTC drugs may be viewed as less risky than prescription medications, experts emphasize that they are not inherently safer. The distinction lies in their availability for public use without a prescription. The unintentional misuse of nonprescription drugs may occur as individuals may not realize that different OTC medications may contain the same active ingredients, leading to unintentional overdoses.
Experts suggest the need for better consumer education, increased involvement of physicians and pharmacists in OTC consultations, and improved packaging of OTC products. The possibility of creating age-friendly aisles in pharmacies, where OTC products are vetted, and pharmacy consults are readily available, is also considered valuable.
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Specific OTC Drugs of Concern
OTC drugs that older adults should be cautious about:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines (NSAIDs): Drugs like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and aspirin can cause ulcers, stomach bleeding, heart, and kidney problems, especially when taken alongside blood thinners or in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): While suitable for occasional mild allergic reactions, long-term use as a sleep aid can lead to cognition issues, confusion, and memory loss.
- Pseudoephedrine: Found in decongestants, it can increase blood pressure, posing risks for individuals with high blood pressure. Phenylephrine, an alternative, may be ineffective.
- Heartburn Medications: OTC drugs like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid, meant for short-term use, can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to bone fractures, diarrhea, and pneumonia.
- Milk of Magnesia and Magnesium Citrate: Used to treat constipation, these can pose risks for individuals with kidney problems, especially with long-term use.
The review underscores the need for awareness and caution among older adults regarding OTC drugs.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, ensuring informed choices and fostering a collaborative approach between consumers, healthcare professionals, and the pharmaceutical industry becomes paramount to address the hidden dangers associated with OTC medications.
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