As a reliable specialty pharmacy in Palm Springs, Florida, our skilled pharmacists want to share tips to help you choose safe OTC drugs for your aging relatives:
- Acetaminophen (like Tylenol) is the safest OTC pain reliever for most seniors.
However, seniors must not exceed 3,000 mg of acetaminophen per day, as it can induce liver damage. Also, remember that many OTC and prescription drugs contain this substance, so it’s essential to include it in the daily limit. - NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen) should be used with caution.
The American Geriatrics Society lists NSAIDs as drugs to avoid or use with caution due to the fatal side effects they may cause seniors. Our compounding pharmacy in West Palm Beach staff also advised that some of the risks associated with these drugs include heart failure, decreased kidney function, stomach bleeding, and interference with high blood pressure medications. - Avoid aspirin.
Most doctors now use it to prevent heart attacks and strokes rather than to treat pain. Aspirin, like NSAIDs, raises the risk of internal bleeding. - Ensure that your senior’s doctor is aware of their chronic pain.
This is so the doctors can figure out what’s causing it and develop a pain management plan that includes other safer, non-drug alternatives. - Avoid OTC drugs marked with “PM”.
That means it’s also supposed to make people sleepy. Such a component is typically an anticholinergic drug and is bad for the brain, as it can make dementia worse or increase dementia risk.
At Palms Pharmacy, a trusted independent pharmacy in Palm Springs, Florida, we are committed to providing you with the resources to facilitate healing for anyone in need.
We offer a variety of services, such as compounding services, health education, and free delivery of medicines. Call us at 561-513-9161.
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