What Over-The-Counter Medicines Should You Keep at Home?
Posted in Senior Health Care Tips
Seasonal colds, upset stomachs, or the occasional ache and pain are challenges we manage throughout our lives, often with the help of non-prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine.
While the process of choosing the right OTC medicine is often as simple as perusing the aisles of your local pharmacy and seeing what symptoms a medication addresses, special care should be taken when the user is 65 or older. As we age, processes in our bodies can slowly change, and it is possible that an OTC medicine you’ve taken your entire life can have significantly different side effects or interactions with other medication commonly used by older adults. 
Read on to learn what medications are commonly recommended for older adults to address a variety of minor illnesses.
Medicine is Not a One-Size-Fits-All
As you read this article, please keep in mind that this is general advice. Each individual has different health needs, sensitivities, and may already have an existing list of medication regularly prescribed to them. As a result, it is recommended that older adults consult with their primary care physician before trying new medications to ensure they avoid unexpected medication interactions.
One useful strategy is to keep a list of your current prescription medications on hand, and with the help of your primary care physician, maintain a list of OTC medications that you specifically should use or avoid.
Why a Stocked Medicine Cabinet Matters
A healthy body is built on routine – regular sleep, meals, exercise, and even social events all play roles in maintaining our mental and physical health. Upsetting these routines due to a minor and treatable illness can create additional problems, and a well-supplied medicine cabinet is a key tool in that effort.
Furthermore, minor illnesses can progress without treatment, and if a person is feeling under the weather, they are less likely to seek out OTC medicine they may need.
Because of this, it is best to maintain a good supply of the appropriate OTC medicine at home and check supplies regularly to ensure none are past their expiration date.
Minor Aches and Pains
Minor pain in joints, the back, or other parts of the body can restrict mobility, impact sleep, and potentially cause changes in gait that can make an individual more prone to falls and other accidents. As a result, stocking a minor pain reliever that uses Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) is a staple of the medicine cabinet.
When using Acetaminophen, be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the box (unless given other instructions by your doctor.) Too much of this medicine can impact your liver, especially if you are a regular or heavy drinker.
While aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also popular pain relievers, both can have unexpected side effects, including bleeding in the digestive tract, heart and kidney issues, and increased blood pressure.
Hay Fever and Other Respiratory Allergies
Itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and/or nasal congestion are all common symptoms of allergies, which can make breathing difficult and potentially impact your ability to get a good night of sleep, among other complications.
Because of this hazard, it is wise to stock Antihistamines containing loratadine, cetirizine or fexofenadine (like Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra) to manage these symptoms instead of so-called “first generation” Antihistamines like Dramamine, NyQuil, and Dimetapp.
First-generation Antihistamines tend to make the user drowsy and potentially confused, increasing the risk of a household fall or accident, as well as potentially cause constipation, and difficulty urinating.
Nasal Congestion Due to Cold or Sinus Infection
Similar to allergies, nasal congestion can cause difficulty with breathing and make getting a full night of sleep impossible.
While nasal decongestant pills containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine like Sudafed are readily available, they run the risk of causing increased blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of a cardiac event. Furthermore, these medicines tend to dry out the user, resulting in a higher risk of dehydration and cause difficulty with urination.
Instead, consider stocking a Saline spray or a saline nasal wash. While applying these washes can take some practice, they provide almost immediate relief from a heavily-clogged nose, and the lack of an active ingredient means there is minimal risk of an adverse reaction among other medications you may take.
Constipation
While consistent constipation is a medical issue that should be evaluated by your doctor, an occasional episode of constipation can often be addressed with a laxative containing polyethylene glycol or senna (like Miralax or Dulcolax).
Polyethylene glycol draws fluid into the bowels to soften stools for easier movement, while senna helps stimulate the intestinal muscles to help produce a bowel movement.
These are recommended over what are called “bulk-forming” laxatives, which contain ingredients such as psyllium, inulin, wheat dextrin, methylcellulose or polycarbophil. These medicines tend to work much more slowly and serve as more of a preventative tool than a way to relieve symptoms.
When using laxatives, especially at older ages, it is vital to closely read the provided instructions and ensure you remain hydrated.
When to Ask for Help
While careful use of OTC medicine can help older adults overcome many common ailments, it is important to remember that they are not a replacement for a good working relationship with your primary care physician.
If a seemingly minor illness progresses for more than a few days, symptoms worsen, you notice a significant change in your weight, it is important to be proactive with your communication to your doctor.
One good strategy to ensure your doctor is well-informed is to keep a small notebook handy while you are sick. Use this notebook to track information like your temperature, how much and when you are sleeping, your symptoms from day-to-day, visits to the bathroom, and what medication you are taking to treat your symptoms. By compiling this information, you are providing your doctor with a clearer sense of your overall well being and may aid them significantly in helping you feel better.
SelectCare has 40 years of experience helping New Yorkers live happier, healthier lives in their longtime homes, and we are eager to help you or a loved one by providing compassionate, comprehensive in-home care.
Call today to request a free in-home care guide, or read firsthand client experiences on our testimonial page.