Dangerous drugs for older people

from Consumer Reports People age 65 and older are more than twice as likely as younger ones to be treated in emergency rooms because of adverse drug reactions. One reason: Kidney function declines with age, making it harder for the body to eliminate drugs. Moreover, nearly half of them take at least five different medications, multiplying risks. “If you take three medications that have sedation as a possible side effect, then the compounding effect may not be 1+1+1=3, but 3x3x3=27,” says Todd Semla, Pharm.D., with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The table below lists common drugs that pose such a risk to older people that researchers included them on a list of medications to generally avoid. (Brand names are shown, but most are sold as generics, too.) If you’re over 65 and your doctor prescribes one, ask whether there’s a safer alternative for you.