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9 Types of Medication Older Adults Should Use With Caution

If you're over 65, think twice before taking these drugs

from: AARP, Updated December 7, 2012

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5. Heart Medications

Be cautious of: digoxin (Lanoxin) in doses greater than 0.125 mg.

The concern: Use of digoxin, which is prescribed as a treatment for heart failure and irregular heartbeat, can be toxic in older adults and people whose kidneys do not work well.

6. Diabetes Drugs

Be cautious of: glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase) and chlorpropamide (Diabinese).

The concern: They can cause severe low blood sugar in older adults.

7. Opioid pain relievers

Be cautious of: meperidine (Demerol) and pentazocine (Talwin).

The concern: These types of opioid analgesic medications, also known as narcotic analgesics, can cause confusion, falls, seizures, confusion and even hallucinations, especially in older adults.

8. Anti-psychotic drugs

Be cautious of: Unless you are being treated for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or some forms of depression, stay away from anti-psychotics such as haloperidol (Haldol), risperidone (Risperdal) and quetiapine (Seroquel).

The concern: Anti-psychotic drugs can increase the risk of stroke or even death; they can also cause tremors and increase your risk of falls.

Next: Finding help with your meds. »

Be Cautious Over the Counter

Although over-the-counter medications are sold without a prescription, they aren't risk free.

Products that contain the antihistamines chlorpheniramine (AllerChlor, Chlor-Trimeton) and diphenhydramine (which is used in sleep aids including Tylenol PM as well as in cold and allergy brands such as Benadryl) can cause confusion, blurred vision, constipation, urination problems and dry mouth in older people.

Another danger is accidental overdosing, which can occur when medicines that belong to the same drug class but have different names — such as ibuprofen and naproxen — are taken at the same time.