The elderly are more likely to use OTC medications than their younger counterparts.
Some OTC and herbal therapies can cause medication-related problems for the elderly.
Some particularly problematic medications include:
- Diphenhydramine-containing products for sleep (Tylenol PM®, Sominex®, Benadryl®, Compoz®) because diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic drug.
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen for pain (Motrin®, Advil®, Aleve®), because of the increased risk of GI bleeding and hypertension in the elderly.
- Cimetidine for GERD, ulcers or GI upset (Tagamet HB®), because of increased risk for drug interactions and CNS side effects compared to other H2 antagonists.
Herbal therapies can also interact with prescription drugs and must be evaluated.
It is important to ask about OTC and herbal medication use before making decisions about drug therapy.
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- Evaluate OTC medication use.
- Evaluate herbal medication use.
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