What is the best medicine for seniors?

Below are the top 10 medications prescribed to elderly Americans.
  • Hydrocodone. Hydrocodone, which is often blended with acetaminophen, is a pain medication often sold under the brand names Lorcet, Norco, and Vicodin. ...
  • Simvastatin. ...
  • Lisinopril. ...
  • Levothyroxine. ...
  • Amlodipine Besylate. ...
  • Omeprazole. ...
  • Azithromycin. ...
  • Metformin.


What medication should be avoided in the elderly?

Here are seven common types of anticholinergic medication that older adults should avoid, or use with caution:
  • Sedating antihistamines. ...
  • PM versions of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers. ...
  • Medications for overactive bladder. ...
  • Medications for vertigo or motion sickness. ...
  • Medications for itching. ...
  • Medications for nerve pain.


What is the best pain medication for the elderly?

Acetaminophen: American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recommends acetaminophen as the first-line agent for mild to moderate chronic pain in the elderly [1] due to its favorable safety profile.


What is the most commonly prescribed drug class for older adults?

Analgesics. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used by > 30% of people aged 65 to 89, and half of all NSAID prescriptions are for people > 60.

What is the safest blood pressure medicine for the elderly?

Low-dose thiazide diuretics remain first-line therapy for older patients. Beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers are second-line medications that should be selected based on comorbidities and risk factors.


4 Seniors: How to help aging parents manage their medications



What is the number one prescribed blood pressure medicine?

In terms of prescriptions written, here are the top 4 high blood pressure medications, the ACE inhibitor lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) tops the list, followed by amlodipine besylate (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker, and.

What are the most harmful blood pressure medications?

thiazide diuretics (chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide) ACE inhibitors (benazepril, zofenopril, lisinopril, and many others) calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, diltiazem)

What helps elderly with weak legs?

12 Leg Strengthening Exercises for Seniors
  • Calf Raises. Calf raises are one of the best leg strengthening exercises for seniors. ...
  • Lunges. Lunges are a great lower body exercise for seniors. ...
  • Half Squats. ...
  • Knee Extensions. ...
  • Ankle Circles. ...
  • Step Up. ...
  • Walking Heel to Toe. ...
  • Single-Leg Stance.


Which are the three most common drugs are prescribed to elderly?

5 Most Common Drugs Prescribed to Elderly People
  • Opioids.
  • NSAIDs.
  • Benzodiazepines.
  • Ambien.
  • Medical Marijuana.


What is the most common medication problem in the elderly?

Drug-related problems are common in older adults and include drug ineffectiveness, adverse drug effects, overdosage, underdosage, inappropriate treatment, inadequate monitoring, nonadherence, and drug interactions. (See also Overview of Drug Therapy in Older Adults.

What helps pain and pain in the elderly?

Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium, as well as topical ointments and patches may also be used. The application of heat and/or ice may also be helpful. Muscular pain responds better to heat, whereas joint pain responds better to ice.


What is the safest medication to take for pain?

Acetaminophen is generally considered safer than other nonopioid pain relievers because it doesn't cause side effects such as stomach pain and bleeding.

How do you treat chronic pain in the elderly?

5 Ways for Seniors to Manage Their Chronic Pain
  1. Find Ways to Stay Active. ...
  2. Take Medication Carefully and Correctly. ...
  3. Try Hot/Cold Therapy. ...
  4. Explore Alternative Treatments. ...
  5. Reduce Stress.


What are two drugs that majorly contribute to side effects in the elderly?

The American Geriatrics Society maintains a list of medications that may be risky for older adults. Common examples are benzodiazepines and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Side effects that may happen more frequently in older adults include muscle pain from statins, thinking changes from sedative medications, and more.


What is the safest anti anxiety medication for elderly?

Mirtazapine is recommended in the elderly given its safe side effect profile and minimal drug-drug interaction. In addition, side effects can be used to our advantage as mirtazapine can help with insomnia and increase appetite in patient with weight loss.

What meds should you always have?

Always have these items in your medicine cabinet
  • Antacid (such as TUMS): Heartburn.
  • Polyethylene glycol (such as MiraLAX): Constipation.
  • Loperamide (such as Imodium): Diarrhea.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto Bismol): Nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach.


What is the safest prescription sleeping pill for the elderly?

In the elderly, should prescription medication be necessary, the first-line treatment is nonbenzodiazepines (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon) as they have been found to be safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines.


How many pills does the average 70 year old take?

Older adults are also more likely than their younger counterparts to be taking multiple prescription medications. More than half of adults 65 and older (54%) report taking four or more prescription drugs compared to one-third of adults 50-64 years old (32%) and about one in ten adults 30-49 (13%) or 18-29 (7%).

What medications increase fall risk in elderly?

Health experts flag these types of medications as increasing falls risk: Psychoactive medications, including anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, opioids, and sedatives/hypnotics. Prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines. Muscle relaxants.

How do you improve circulation in legs in elderly?

To recap, here are some of the ways you can improve your circulation in older age:
  1. Try leg exercises.
  2. Use an elevating leg pillow.
  3. Buy compression socks and bandages.
  4. Leg massages and hydrotherapy.
  5. Move your feet and toes.
  6. Keep your feet warm.
  7. Massage your feet.
  8. Try specific hand exercises.


At what age are you considered elderly?

Ageing, an inevitable process, is commonly measured by chronological age and, as a convention, a person aged 65 years or more is often referred to as 'elderly'.

What causes wobbly legs in elderly?

Primary orthostatic tremor (POT) may be a cause of postural instability in the elderly which impacts on quality of life. “Shaky legs” on standing, relieved by walking, leaning, or sitting, are the typical symptoms of POT. The paucity of clinical signs may sometimes prompt consideration of psychiatric diagnoses.

What blood pressure medicine should I avoid?

Which over-the-counter medicines can affect blood pressure?
  • Decongestants, such as those that contain pseudoephedrine.
  • Pain medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Cold and influenza medicines. ...
  • Some antacids and other stomach medicines. ...
  • Some natural health products.


What are the four best blood pressure medications?

Many medications used in the past to lower blood pressure may not be the best choice for lowering your blood pressure today. The four classes of medications recommended by the most recent guidelines and research are thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers.

What can I take instead of blood pressure medication?

10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication
  • Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline. Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. ...
  • Exercise regularly. ...
  • Eat a healthy diet. ...
  • Reduce sodium in your diet. ...
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. ...
  • Quit smoking. ...
  • Cut back on caffeine. ...
  • Reduce your stress.