Healthy Living For Seniors October 99 - Managing Your Medicines


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October 99
Managing Your Medicines

Seniors have a slower metabolism, so drugs may stay in the body longer, making them twice as susceptible to adverse drug reactions.

older woman looking for medication Thanks to the miracles of modern pharmacology, maintaining health and longevity into old age has become a realistic goal. But when your pillbox runneth over, as it does for many seniors, you face problems of another sort--safely managing your medications.

Because older persons are more likely to have chronic disease, they take more medications than younger adults. Studies show the average senior takes four or five prescription drugs and two over-the-counter drugs on any given day, and this can compound the risk for complications. Because of a slower metabolism, drugs may stay in the body longer, making seniors twice as susceptible to adverse drug reactions, more likely to suffer more severe reactions, and more sensitive to the effects of many drugs.

Eliminate the Potential for Drug-Related Risks

	Take the drugs that your doctor prescribed, and take them as directed. If you are tempted to stop taking a drug, it is absolutely necessary to discuss this with your doctor.
	To avoid drug interactions, always tell your doctor and your pharmacist what other drugs you are taking or when you start taking a new drug.
	Some over-the-counter drugs can react with your prescription medications. Antacids, for example, can pose problems for persons with heart trouble, hypertension, or kidney problems. Even vitamin supplements can interfere with the action of some prescription drugs. Antihistamines should not be taken by persons with asthma or chronic lung problems without a doctor's okay. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist.
	Be aware that drugs by different names can often contain the same ingredients, especially aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or acetaminophen (Tylenol type drugs). These can be found not only in pain medicine but in cold relievers and other over-the-counter drugs. Be careful not to double-up on these ingredients.
	Drinking alcoholic beverages when you are taking some medications may alter their effects or create hazardous reactions. Again, check with your physician or pharmacist.
	Report any strange or unusual symptoms that may possibly be related to a new drug to your physician immediately.
	To remember to take your medicines, place them on the counter where you will see them during the day. Write down your medication schedule and set your watch to beep when it is time for a dose.
	Use a pill organizer. You can place a day's worth of medication into a separate compartment for each day of the week. You will know you've taken the pills when the compartment is empty at the end of the day.