People over 65 should take extra care with medications, especially if they are taking many different medications. Older adults have a higher risk of experiencing drug interactions and are often more sensitive to medications. Even healthy older adults react to medications differently than younger people do because older adults’ bodies often process and eliminate medications more slowly.
Before starting a medication, older adults and their family members should talk with a health care provider about any effects the medication may have on physical and mental functioning. The health care provider can also discuss strategies to make it easier to follow the treatment plan, helping to ensure that older adults take the correct medication dose at the correct time.
The National Institute on Aging’s Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults booklet offers information and practical tips to help older people take their medications safely.
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