10 Medications Seniors Should Avoid

Many common medications that are safe for younger adults can pose serious risks for seniors. As we age, changes in metabolism, organ function, and body composition mean some drugs may do more harm than good.

This article reveals 10 medications seniors should avoid or use with extreme caution, including popular over-the-counter remedies and frequently prescribed drugs. Understanding these potential dangers can help you have more informed conversations with doctors and protect your aging loved ones from preventable health complications. Knowledge truly is power when it comes to medication safety for older adults.

Seniors Should Always Use Medications with Caution

Did you know that about a third of adults in their 60s and 70s report taking at least five prescription medications?

Medication (if properly administered) can be a literal lifesaver. That makes it easy to forget that drugs can also worsen, or even cause, health problems.

Older adults are also more likely to have side effects because aging bodies can be more sensitive to certain medications.

Plus, taking multiple medications increases the chances of having serious side effects or interactions.

To increase safety and well-being, we share a list of 10 medications seniors should avoid “use with caution” from The American Geriatrics Society’s HealthinAging.org website.

How to Use This List of Medications Seniors Should Avoid

Unless your loved one’s doctor spends most of their time treating seniors (like a geriatric doctor), they may not know that drugs can affect older bodies differently.

To help you advocate on their behalf, use this clear and simple list of 10 medications seniors should avoid, which includes common pain relievers, anti-anxiety medications, sleep aids, and more.

Some of these drugs are available over-the-counter, so don’t assume that non-prescription medications are safe or harmless.

If your loved one is taking a drug on this list, let their doctor know you’re concerned.

Ask if that medication is necessary for their health or if switching to a less risky medicine to treat that health condition would be better. But in some cases, the drug's benefits could outweigh the risks – that’s why it’s essential to get their doctor’s recommendation.

They should also ask their doctor to review all their current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements to ensure they’re all still needed and safe to be taken together.

Even if no changes are made to their current medication list, you’ll be fully aware of the potential risks and side effects of all the medications your older adult takes.

Important: Never stop, start, or change your senior’s medications without consulting their doctor.

10 Medications Seniors Should Avoid If They Can

Just because a type of medication is on this list doesn’t mean that nobody older than 65 should be taking it.

This means that these medications should be used carefully, under the supervision of a doctor, and everyone should be aware of possible side effects.

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
2. Aspirin
3. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
4. Certain diabetes drugs
5. Muscle relaxants
6. Certain medications used for anxiety and/or insomnia, like benzodiazepines and sleeping pills
7. Certain anticholinergic drugs, like some antidepressants, some anti-Parkinson drugs, and some irritable bowel syndrome drugs
8. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) products, like ones that contain diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine
9. Estrogen pills and patches
10. If you are NOT being treated for psychosis, use antipsychotics such as haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal), or quetiapine (Seroquel) WITH CAUTION.

Next Step  Print or save this handy list of 10 medications that seniors should avoid or use with caution from HealthinAging.org (PDF)

Recommended for you:

• 8 Tips to Avoid Harmful Drug Reactions and Overmedication in Seniors
• 6 Common Medication Problems in Seniors and 6 Ways to Solve Them
• Prevent Dangerous Drug Interactions in Seniors with a Drug Interaction Checker

About the Author

Connie Chow

Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.