The same pharmacy medicine behaves differently at 75 than at 35. Kidneys and liver clear medicines more slowly, body composition changes how they distribute, and the brain is more sensitive to anything sedating. On top of that, older adults typically take more medicines, so there is more to interact with.
None of that means avoiding pharmacy medicines. It means the choice matters more, and a pharmacist is worth involving rather than picking from a shelf.
Common side effects of this pharmacy medicine or category
Three groups account for most avoidable harm:
- Anti-inflammatories. Higher risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding, often without warning indigestion first, plus effects on kidney function, blood pressure and heart failure. Paracetamol is frequently the safer first choice. See NSAID side effects.
- Sedating antihistamines, including those in night-time cold remedies and sleep aids. These cause drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, constipation and difficulty passing urine, and they contribute to falls. Non-sedating alternatives usually exist. See allergy tablets and drowsiness.
- Decongestants. Can raise blood pressure, cause palpitations, and worsen difficulty passing urine in men with prostate enlargement. See decongestant side effects.
A pattern worth naming: several products each with a mild drying and sedating effect add up, and the result can look like a general decline in alertness or memory rather than a medicine problem. If confusion or unsteadiness is new, review what has been bought recently.
Interactions and duplicate-ingredient risks
With more medicines in the mix, both duplication and interaction become more likely. Anti-inflammatories alongside blood thinners, blood pressure medicines or diuretics are the combinations that most often cause serious harm. See OTC medicines with chronic medication.
Keep one current list of everything taken, including supplements, and bring it to the pharmacy. An annual medicines review with a pharmacist or doctor is worth asking for.
Children, pregnancy, older adults and chronic medicine cautions
Lower doses are often appropriate, and starting low is reasonable even with a familiar product. Anything affecting balance or alertness carries fall risk, and a fall causing a fracture can change independence permanently, which makes drowsiness a more serious side effect than it sounds.
During illness with vomiting or diarrhoea, dehydration plus an anti-inflammatory is a recognised route to kidney injury. See medicine side effects in older adults.
Warning signs and overdose concerns
Emergency care for: vomiting blood or black tarry stools; severe abdominal pain; difficulty breathing or facial swelling; chest pain; a fall with a head injury; or sudden confusion.
Same-day advice for: passing much less urine than usual, marked ankle swelling, new unsteadiness or drowsiness, or being unable to pass urine at all.
Questions to ask a pharmacist before using it
- Is this suitable at my age and with my medicines?
- Is there a non-sedating alternative?
- Should I avoid anti-inflammatories altogether?
- Could this affect my balance or increase my risk of falling?
- Can we review everything I take?
Related OTC and medicine-safety guides
- OTC medicine side effects
- Over-the-counter medicine interactions
- How to read over-the-counter medicine labels
- When to see a doctor about an OTC medicine
- Report an OTC medicine side effect
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical diagnosis, prescription, or professional advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist regarding any medicine or health concern.