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Medicines Older Adults may want to avoid
Consumer Reports recently
published a list of drugs that have
heightened risks for older adults, due to
the fact that as kidneys age, they lose some
ability to process drugs.
Consumer Reports compiled a
“list of medications that are best avoided
by those 65 and older, as well as a list of
alternative medications
Adverse drug reactions that result in
emergency room visits affect older Americans
nearly twice as often as young people.
One reason is that as the body ages, the
kidneys’ ability to process medications
declines. As a result, some drugs stick
around longer in the body, and others can
build up to unhealthy levels if multiple
doses per day are required.
At the same time, millions of older
Americans take five or more medications a
day, which multiplies the risk of
experiencing an adverse drug event.
Consumer Reports Health has published new
information to help guide people in their
drug selections.
A list of medications that are best avoided
by those 65 and older, as well as a list of
alternative medications, is included.
For example, antihistamines Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can cause
confusion, sedation and the inability to
fully empty the bladder (urine retention) in
people over 65. Generic cetirizine (Zyrtec),
fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine
(Claritin) are generally safer bets.
Another example is pain relievers. Aleve and
Naprosyn (naproxen), Daypro (oxaprozin) and
Feldene (piroxicam) can cause
gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage.
Demerol (meperidine) can cause confusion and
falls. Better and safer choices include
Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen),
Zostrix (capsaicin cream) and for severe
pain, morphine.
Click here
for a complete list of drugs to avoid for
older individuals.
Find more information at
Consumer Report’s Best Buy Drugs
about comparative effectiveness
and comparative cost for many of these
medicines.
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