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 your doctor’s recommendation.
They should also ask their doctor to review all their current prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements to ensure they’re all still necessary and safe to take 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.
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While these medications can be necessary in some cases, they are on the “Beers List” – a guide identifying drugs with potential higher risks for older adults. This doesn't mean you should stop any prescribed medication, but it does underscore the importance of reviewing them regularly with a doctor to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Why be cautious: They can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney damage, and high blood pressure, especially with long-term use.
High-Dose Aspirin
Why be cautious: When used regularly, it carries similar risks as other NSAIDs for stomach bleeding and kidney issues.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Why be cautious: Doses over 0.125 mg/day can increase the risk of toxicity in seniors, leading to nausea, anorexia, and confusion.
Certain Diabetes Drugs (like glyburide)
Why be cautious: They can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) because they stay in the body longer in older adults.
Muscle Relaxants
Why be cautious: They can cause sedation, confusion, and an increased risk of falls, and are often less effective in seniors.
Some Anxiety & Insomnia Medications (like benzodiazepines)
Why be cautious: They significantly increase the risk of confusion, memory issues, dizziness, and falls.
Certain Anticholinergic Drugs
Why be cautious: These drugs block a key chemical in the brain and can cause side effects like confusion, blurred vision, constipation, and difficulty urinating.
Certain Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products (containing diphenhydramine)
Why be cautious: Many “PM” pain or sleep aids have strong anticholinergic effects, causing sedation and confusion.
Estrogen Pills and Patches
Why be cautious: Oral and topical estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke, and they are no longer recommended for preventing chronic conditions.
Certain Antipsychotics (like haloperidol or quetiapine)
Why to be cautious: When used for non-psychosis symptoms like agitation, they can increase the risk of stroke and mortality in seniors with dementia.
Special Note: Always consult your family doctor and/or pharmacist before taking a new medication or deciding to avoid a specific medication. They are the experts, and this piece doesn't constitute medical advice for any particular individual.
Next Steps: 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 is the founder of DailyCaring.com and 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 understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
Is there an English UK list the ones shown here are all American ?
We’re a U.S.-based business, so unfortunately we’re not familiar with healthcare systems in other countries.