What is the most commonly prescribed drug for older adults?
Asked by: Else Parisian | Last update: October 31, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (21 votes)
- Simvastatin. ...
- Lisinopril. ...
- Levothyroxine. ...
- Amlodipine Besylate. ...
- Omeprazole. ...
- Azithromycin. ...
- Metformin. ...
- Hydrochlorothiazide. Hydrochlorothiazide is a blood pressure medication often sold under the brand name Microzide.
What drug is most commonly used by older adults?
Opioids/heroin, cocaine, and marijuana are the drugs most commonly used by older adults, and the majority of users also use alcohol. However, alcohol, opioids/heroin, and cocaine are the substances most often associated with treatment seeking.
What is the #1 most prescribed drug?
The most prescribed drug in America is atorvastatin. The most common brand name for atorvastatin is Lipitor. What is atorvastatin used for? Atorvastatin is used to treat high cholesterol, which in turn helps prevent heart disease and symptoms of heart disease such as heart attack and stroke.
What are 5 drugs to avoid in the elderly?
What is the most common inappropriately prescribed drug to the elderly?
Diphenhydramine and amitriptiline are the most common inappropriately prescribed medications with high risk adverse events while propoxyphene and doxazoxin are the most commonly prescribed medications with low risk adverse events.
Commonly Prescribed Drugs Tied To Higher Dementia Risk In Older Adults, Study Finds
What is the safest pain reliever for seniors?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safer for older adults than other pain medicines. Topical pain medicines (also called topical analgesics) can also help. When common pain medicines don't work to manage pain, your healthcare provider may suggest other medicines, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
What are the two worst blood pressure medications?
- Beta-Blockers: Limited Efficacy and High Adverse Effects. Efficacy Concerns. ...
- High-Dose Thiazides: Increased Adverse Effects Without Mortality Benefit. Efficacy Concerns. ...
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Blood Pressure Elevation. ...
- Antidepressants: Variable Impact on Blood Pressure.
Why can't seniors take ibuprofen?
If you're over 65, ibuprofen can make you more likely to get stomach ulcers. Your doctor will prescribe you a medicine to protect your stomach if you're taking ibuprofen for a long-term condition. To make sure ibuprofen applied to the skin is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney problems.
What is the safest muscle relaxer for the elderly?
- Baclofen.
- Tizanidine.
Why shouldn't elderly take Benadryl?
Conclusions Diphenhydramine administration in older hospitalized patients is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and other adverse effects with a dose-response relationship. Careful review of its use is necessary in this vulnerable population.
What is the number 1 selling drug in the world?
Top drugs based on projected 2024 global sales
Keytruda is projected to be the top-ranked drug worldwide based on sales in 2024, with more than 27 billion U.S. dollars.
What is gabapentin used for?
Gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy. It's also taken for nerve pain, which can be caused by different conditions, including diabetes and shingles. Nerve pain can also happen after an injury. In epilepsy, it's thought that gabapentin stops seizures by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
What is hydrocodone used for?
Hydrocodone is an antitussive (cough suppressant) and narcotic analgesic agent for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Studies indicate that hydrocodone is as effective, or more effective, than codeine for cough suppression and nearly equipotent to morphine for pain relief.
What is the best opioid elderly?
For pain refractory to NSAIDs, or pain rated as moderate initially, a weaker opioid (eg, codeine) is the appropriate first choice. Other weak opioids that may be used include hydrocodone, propoxyphene, and oxycodone in combination with acetaminophen.
What vitamins do elderly need?
- Vitamin A. Food Sources: Vitamin A can be found in products such as eggs and milk. ...
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin). ...
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin). ...
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin). ...
- Vitamin B6. ...
- Vitamin B12.
What is the best pain relief for the elderly?
Acetaminophen is the first-line approach to mild, persistent pain: Acetaminophen lacks inflammatory activity; therefore it's effects may be limited in the long-term treatment of inflammatory conditions.
What is the strongest natural muscle relaxer?
- Magnesium. ...
- Curcumin. ...
- Pomegranate juice. ...
- Arnica. ...
- Capsaicin. ...
- Cannabidiol (CBD) oil. ...
- Peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is a popular home remedy for muscle pain. ...
- Lemongrass. Some people use lemongrass oil or tea to treat arthritic joint pain and inflammation.
Is it safe for elderly to take gabapentin?
It may be reasonable to start older adults on a low dose of gabapentin, which can be effective to treat pain while exposing patients to a lower risk of adverse mental status side effects of gabapentin (dizziness, drowsiness and confusion)[7].
Why is Tylenol bad for seniors?
Frail elderly people are at increased risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity because they have diminished acetaminophen clearance, diminished glucuronidation, and diminished glutathione reserves and synthesis.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication?
Naproxen is considered to be the strongest anti-inflammatory medication available over the counter, says Walia. However, this doesn't mean other OTC anti-inflammatories aren't just as effective at reducing inflammation — they just have different durations of action.
Is Flexeril safe for seniors?
Geriatric. Because of the possibility of higher blood levels in the elderly as compared to younger adults, use of cyclobenzaprine extended-release capsules is not recommended in the elderly.
What is the number one fruit to lower blood pressure?
Fruits that can help lower blood pressure in the long term include strawberries, blueberries, bananas, watermelon, and kiwis . Drinking pomegranate juice may also help .
What should I do if my BP is 140-90?
If you have a BP of 140/90, that is considered high blood pressure and you should discuss this with your doctor. The first thing that is usually recommended for people with high blood pressure to do is lifestyle changes such as: Maintaining a healthy weight. Consuming a healthy balanced diet low in salt.
Is peanut butter good for high blood pressure?
One of the main fats in peanut butter is oleic acid. When substituted for other fats in your diet, oleic acid helps maintain good cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Managing these levels in your body can lower the risk of heart disease. Peanut butter also contains omega-6 fatty acid.