With increasing age becomes the handling with medicines often more complex. Many older people take several drugs simultaneously, whether against high blood pressure, diabetes, pain, sleep problems or other chronic diseases. This is very common in the USA: A large part of the adults from 65 years uses regularly several prescription medications, additionally often over-the-counter products, vitamins or herbal preparations. Just these combinations make a safe application particularly important. Good medication safety means not to avoid medications, but to use them consciously, regularly checked and as simply as possible.

For older Australians who live in the USA or use information from the American healthcare system, many of the same principles apply: The clearer the medication plan, the lower the risk for errors, interactions and unnecessary side effects. Pharmacists play an important role in this. They help to make intake plans understandable, recognize double active ingredients and answer questions about side effects or the correct application. With some structure and support, safety in everyday life can be significantly improved.

Why medications in old age need special attention

The body processes medicines in higher age differently than in younger years. Liver and kidneys often work slower, the water and fat content in the body changes, and also the brain can react more sensitively to certain active ingredients. That means that medications can stay longer in the body or act more strongly, even if the dosage actually seems usual. Therefore, a treatment that worked well earlier may need to be adjusted later.

In addition comes that many older adults treat several diseases simultaneously. In the USA, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people over 65 regularly take five or more medications. This so-called polypharmacy increases the risk for interactions, dizziness, confusion, falls and hospital stays. Adverse drug events are among the common reasons for medical emergency treatments in older adults. This is not a sign of personal failure, but shows how important a well-coordinated medication plan is.

Particularly attentive one should be with medications that make tired, lower the blood pressure strongly, influence the blood sugar or restrict the concentration. This can include certain sleeping pills, sedatives, strong painkillers, some antihistamines or also some bladder medications. Even small changes can be noticeable in everyday life, for example, more insecurity when walking, dry mouth, constipation or blurred vision., tout comme Tétracycline 500mg en,

Common risks: interactions, double medication and application errors

Many safety problems arise not from a single medication, but from combinations. A classic example is the simultaneous intake of several preparations with similar active ingredients, for example when a cold medication from the drugstore additionally contains paracetamol or a decongestant. Also herbal products or dietary supplements can be relevant. St. John's Wort can for example change the effect of other medications, and some minerals influence the absorption of certain medicines.

Another common point is double medication. This happens for example when new medicines are started after a hospital stay, but old packages still stand in the cupboard and are unintentionally taken additionally. Also different brand names can be confusing. It becomes particularly tricky when several doctors are involved and not everywhere the same current medication list is available. À lire aussi : Prednisolone 40mg.

Typical warning signs for problems with medications are:

• new dizziness or lightheadedness
• unusual fatigue or confusion
• falls or insecure walking
• loss of appetite, nausea or constipation
• skin rash or itching
• difficulty adhering to the intake plan

Such complaints do not always have to do with medications, but should be taken seriously. Especially in older people, side effects can easily be confused with “normal aging”. Therefore, it is sensible to always consider new symptoms in connection with recently started or changed medications.

How the medication plan can be made safer in everyday life

A current, well-readable medication plan is one of the simplest and most effective measures. On it should be all prescription medications, over-the-counter preparations, vitamins and herbal products - each with name, strength, dosage and time of intake. Also the reason for the intake can be helpful. Whoever takes this plan to doctor appointments, to the pharmacy or to the hospital makes it easier for all involved to keep track. À découvrir aussi : Cialis Professional 20mg.

Equally important is a fixed routine. Medications that are taken daily should be linked to clear points in time with recurring habits, for example in the morning after brushing teeth or in the evening after dinner. Pill boxes, reminder functions on the mobile phone or labeled weekly planners can help to not forget or accidentally double doses. People with impaired vision or arthritis often benefit from easy-to-open packages and well-readable labels.

Practical steps for more safety are:

• never abruptly stop medications without consultation
• ask about interactions with every new prescription
• regularly check packages and sort out expired preparations
• only use the actually prescribed dosages
• use measuring aids for liquid medications accurately
• do not simply crush tablets in case of swallowing problems without asking first

Especially the last point is important: Not every tablet may be split, crushed or stirred into food. Extended-release tablets, enteric-coated preparations or certain capsules can lose their effect or act too strongly if applied incorrectly.

What role pharmacists play

Pharmacists are often the healthcare professionals who see medications in the overall picture most accurately. They check prescriptions for interactions, pay attention to double active ingredients and can explain how a medication is taken correctly. For older people this is particularly valuable, because many questions only arise in everyday life: Must the medicine be taken with food? May it be used together with calcium or magnesium? What to do if a dose is forgotten?

In the USA, many pharmacies offer additional pharmaceutical services, including structured medication reviews, support with complex intake plans and advice on over-the-counter products. For people with multiple chronic conditions or many medications, such a review can help to identify ambiguities and lead discussions with treating doctors more purposefully. Also after a hospital stay or a new diagnosis, a pharmaceutical review is often particularly sensible., tout comme Où trouver Abilify,

Pharmacies can also help to facilitate practical application. This includes easily understandable labels, reminder and packaging solutions or instructions for safe storage. Whoever has a caregiving service or is supported by relatives often benefits if the pharmacy is involved in the communication. This way misunderstandings can be avoided more easily.

When special caution is necessary

There are situations in which the risk for medication problems increases significantly. These include a hospital stay, a change of the treating doctor, a move, a new diagnosis or the addition of more medications. Also acute infections, dehydration or significant weight changes can influence how medications work. In cases of kidney or liver problems, regular checks are particularly important because some dosages may need to be adjusted.

Also over-the-counter painkillers should not be underestimated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can increase the risk of stomach bleeding, kidney problems or blood pressure increase in some older people, especially with frequent use or in combination with blood-thinning medications. Sleeping pills and certain medications with anticholinergic effects can in turn increase confusion, dry mouth, constipation and fall risk. Such risks do not mean that these products are generally unsuitable, but they should be examined consciously and individually.

Particular attention is also required when behavior or everyday function suddenly changes. If someone appears unusually drowsy, confused or unstable after starting a new medication, the medication plan should be reviewed in a timely manner. The sooner possible correlations are recognized, the sooner problems can be limited and safe alternatives can be discussed.

A safe medication application in old age is primarily based on overview, good communication and regular review. Nobody has to keep track alone. With a current medication plan, clear habits and the support of doctors and pharmacists, the risk can be significantly reduced. Especially for older people this is reassuring: Medications can achieve a lot when they are appropriately selected, explained understandably and carefully accompanied.

This information is for general purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.