Pharmacrime: Which drugs are dangerous for seniors
Medication helps us to get better and supports our recovery. Almost everyone will come into contact with a medication tailored to their needs at some point in their life. But can we take medication regardless of age? It should be noted that certain medications can have a negative effect on people of advanced age and can have the opposite effect instead of really helping. Also, harmful substances from these tablets are excreted by the kidneys only at a slower rate in old age. Alterix lists the "Top 5" most dangerous medications and their mode of action.
Painkiller
It's easy to reach for painkillers:
- Back pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Tension
These are just a few of the complaints that older people have to contend with. But not all painkillers are the same. The side effects differ as much as the active ingredients themselves. One of the best-known remedies here is aspirin. This not only helps with pain, but also thins the blood of the person affected. Anyone who is struggling with high blood pressure, especially in old age, and is already taking antihypertensives should definitely avoid taking these tablets. Excessive use of drugs that thin the blood significantly increases the risk of internal bleeding. So pay particular attention to the substance "acetylsalicylic acid" when buying painkillers and do not take it carelessly.
Sedatives & Sleeping Pills
The body changes constantly over the years and the breakdown of pills is slowed down. It is therefore hardly surprising if certain medications remain in the body significantly longer than initially assumed. Water-soluble drugs in particular must be taken with caution to prevent overdose. Older people have a higher fat density in the body, but up to 17% less water. Sedatives (benzodiazepines) are therefore only recommended to a limited extent and should be administered with great caution. These linger much longer in the organism in old age. In the worst case, confusion, restlessness or anxiety can become widespread and place an additional burden on the person concerned. Consultation with an experienced physician is therefore extremely important.
Sleeping pills usually provide relief if the head has not yet signaled to the body that it now wants to sleep. But especially for older people, taking them should be viewed critically. Above all, people with heart conditions must exercise particular caution. The risk of heart complications from taking sleeping pills has been repeatedly proven by scientific studies. Those who already have a history of this should consider alternatives.
Cortison
Cortisones, alternatively also called glucocorticoids, support the body in many ways. Among other things, this also applies to rheumatism. Rheumatism causes joint pain and can be largely contained by cortisone. However, many people do not know that taking cortisone also increases their sugar levels. The application is therefore not recommended for people with diabetes. Those who are already struggling with their sugar levels should discuss this with their doctor and switch to alternative methods.
Antihypertensive
That blood pressure can change throughout life is certain. However, depending on their physical condition, older patients may have to struggle more with high blood pressure and are offered appropriate therapy. Although blood pressure-lowering drugs are useful after consultation with the doctor, they also increase the risk of side effects. Anyone who already has problems with their eyes should take a closer look at the ingredients. Dry eyes are only one possible side effect and should be treated with eye drops if necessary. Here, too, prior consultation with the attending physician makes perfect sense.
Antidepressiva
Why people suffer from depression is completely different. The reasons are wide-ranging, and the treatment methods are correspondingly diverse. But even antidepressants are not harmless in old age. The active ingredient amitriptyline in particular catches the eye. It belongs to the first generation of antidepressants. Anyone who is already wobbly on their feet should avoid this substance if possible. The risk of falling increases enormously and dizziness and lightheadedness increase. Phenomena that are normally attributed to old age can, however, also be triggered by the antidepressant.
Take medications safely
Dangerous medications can not only interact, but side effects are also usually part of the picture. A look at the package insert shows what the ideal tablet dose is and what to do in an emergency. Expired medications should be thrown away immediately. To ensure that you take your medication safely, it makes sense to purchase a tablet box with days of the week. It gives you an additional overview.
In old age, it is better to have medications carefully checked
The patient is by no means on his own here. A physician as well as a pharmacist supports him in the choice of his medication. Over-the-counter tablets should also not be underestimated. Interactions occur in any active ingredient except prescription pills. Dangerous drug cocktails should therefore be avoided at all costs. Those who prefer to play it safe should always carry a list of their current prescribed medication with them.
Be accompanied by an open-minded doctor
Regular checks and follow-up care are a particularly high priority when it comes to medication and health. The body changes over time and the liver and kidneys work differently than they did 10 years ago. Whether tablets prescribed at that time continue to help our health must always be checked. Therefore, consult a trusted and experienced physician who will monitor medication dosages at regular intervals. Dangerous medications that seem inappropriate as you age must be discontinued or replaced. Your doctor will provide you with a medication list that will be continually adjusted as needed. Regular blood draws are also the cornerstone of maintaining good health.
Conclusion
Taking medication stimulates certain processes in the body. In the worst case, however, these processes are impeded by other medications and the effect of the first medication is intensified or even cancelled out. Interactions are always to be taken from the package insert or in consultation with the doctor. Over-the-counter remedies and vitamin preparations cannot be excluded and must be taken into account. This is the only way to achieve an ideal therapy setting.
