Almost half of all older adults take more than five different medications every day. Each medication has rules to follow in order to stay safe and healthy. Following the different rules for each is very important, but sometimes it can be hard to do.
Types of Medications
Medications can include those prescribed (given or ordered) by your doctor or nurse, "over-the-counter" medications, and herbal.
| Three Types of Medications (Pills or other Treatments) | |
| Prescription | Medications such as pills, creams, ointments or injections, ordered by a doctor or nurse and filled by a pharmacist. |
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Over-the-counter
(OTC)
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Medications sold without a prescription. These include aspirin, pain relievers, laxatives, and cold medicines. Be careful when mixing over-the-counter and prescription medications because it can cause bad side effects.
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| Herbal |
Herbal medications and products sold without needing a prescription. These include vitamins, dietary supplements and teas. "Natural" does not always mean safe. Many herbal medications can make prescription medications weaker, or cause bad side effects. |
Medications come in many forms. These include pills or capsules that can be swallowed, chewed or dissolved, liquids, patches, creams, inhalers, solutions that are injected, suppositories, ointments, and eye drops or ear drops.
Keep all medications in one location except those that must be kept cold in the refrigerator. Keep medications away from sunlight, heat, steam and moisture. Keep medications away from children and others with poor judgment, such as those with dementia. Avoid mixing medications into one bottle or reusing empty bottles for other medications.
Watch for side effects
Medications can have side effects that might make an older adult feel sick, act unusual or have trouble doing daily activities. Side effects can be sleeping too much or too little, acting confused, being sad or depressed, feeling dizzy or weak, not wanting to eat, having trouble talking or remembering things, and bathroom-related problems. A health care provider should be told right away about any of these symptoms because it may be a side effect of a medication.
Medication list
Keep an up-to-date list of all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal and vitamins) in your purse or wallet. Include the medication name, how much is taken, and how often the medication is taken. If you have any allergies to foods or medications, add this to the list. Take the list to all health care visits and emergency room visits. Keep a copy of the list on the refrigerator. Many communities have programs where first respondents, like 911 paramedics, are trained to look at the refrigerator for medication lists. They can make sure the medication list goes with the older adult to the hospital. This can save time in an emergency, and help doctors provide better care.
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A Pharmacist Can...
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Do NOT put medications in the trash or toilet
Medications can harm our environment if they get into the soil and water. Medications that are not used, or out of date, should be taken to a prescription drug drop-off. Most communities have one at the police department. Some pharmacies also will take back old medications to get rid of in a safe way.
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Useful Websites
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Written by: Jane Mohler, NP-C, MPH, PhD & Lisa O'Neill, DBH, MPH, University of Arizona Center on Aging