Older adults often juggle many medicines, and that creates real risks: wrong doses, interactions, dizziness, falls, and confusion. If you care for a senior or manage your own meds, small habits cut big risks. Below are clear, practical steps you can start using today.
Keep one up-to-date medicine list. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Share it with every clinician and your pharmacist. Use a pill organizer or blister packs to avoid missed or double doses. Set phone alarms or use a simple chart on the fridge. If memory is a problem, ask a family member to check in daily.
Ask your doctor to review all medicines at least once a year. Say you’re worried about taking too many drugs — doctors expect that question. Ask about deprescribing: stopping medicines that are no longer needed. Also confirm the purpose and the expected side effects for each drug so you know what to watch for.
Start low and go slow when doses change. Report new symptoms right away: increased falls, confusion, sleepiness, or trouble breathing. Watch especially for interactions involving blood thinners, blood pressure meds, sedatives, strong painkillers, and drugs with anticholinergic effects (these can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and confusion).
Keep labels readable. If small print is hard to read, ask the pharmacy for large-print labels or a printed medication list. Confirm whether medicines should be taken with food or on an empty stomach — that affects how well they work and the chance of stomach upset.
Use one pharmacy when possible. Pharmacists can spot dangerous interactions if they see the full list of products. If you get prescriptions from multiple places, email or drop off a copy of your full list to each pharmacy.
When buying meds online, choose licensed pharmacies only. Look for clear contact info, a requirement for a prescription, and reputable reviews. Beware of sites selling prescription drugs without asking for a prescription or offering suspiciously low prices. If unsure, call the pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist.
Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Check expiration dates and return old or unused drugs to a community take-back program — don’t keep them “just in case.”
Small changes make a big difference. A simple medicine list, a weekly pill box, a yearly medication review, and using a trusted pharmacy reduce errors and keep seniors safer. If something feels off, call your doctor or pharmacist — it’s better to check than to guess.