Self‐Management of Over‐the‐Counter Medications by Older Adults

Abstract

Older adults' use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications is usually a self-initiated behavior that may have important health consequences. A sample of 186 adults age 65 years and over was interviewed to describe their use of 16 OTC substances and their management of the most commonly used OTC medications. Subjects reported using almost twice as many OTC as prescription medications. A structured interview format elicited subjects' self-reports of decisions, judgments, and actions used to manage aspirins, laxatives, antacids, and vitamins. Most reported using the specific OTC preparations often. Health care providers were common but not exclusive sources of information about these products; few subjects acknowledged being influenced by advertisements. Although subjects' reported dosages and scheduling of agents were judged appropriate by nurses, some overuse of laxatives was noted, together with some continuation of laxative and antacid administration for excessive lengths of time for persisting symptoms. Few subjects identified precautions associated with the OTC medications. Questions were raised about older adults' perceptions regarding vitamin use for particular symptoms. The results of the study indicate the need for educational programs for older adults and further research about OTC substance use among these individuals.

Review article: over‐the‐counter drugs and the gastrointestinal tract

“…A number of papers have recognized the importance of education about over‐the‐counter drugs or have expressed concern over the knowledge of drugs being used 9 , . 90–94 Patient education for the appropriate use of over‐the‐counter drugs must occur at the point of sale (the supermarket or pharmacy). Thus the role of the pharmacist is vital, not only in the initial recommendations of treatment, but also to reinforce limitations to treatment in order to educate customers when to seek further advice.…”

Older women, medication use and nursing care

“…Beers, cited in Gilbert, Luszcz and Owen, 10 suggests that the most significant treatable cause of illness in the elderly results from medication use. This finding is a concern that is also reflected by other writers in the field 11 , 12 and in the comments of health care professionals working with the elderly. Other concerns raised in the literature include those related to social and economic issues, such as the relationship between drug use and hospital admissions, falls and the unwanted psychological and mood affects of polypharmaceutical use in older women, and the cost of health care as a result of medication use and related problems such as adverse drug reactions, intoxication and dependence 13 .…”

Over‐the‐Counter Medication Overuse and Bowel Obstruction

“…11,12 Drug–drug interactions due to polypharmacy are also a significant factor in elderly adults, with the average elderly adult taking six to nine medications concurrently, 11 with potentially more than half available without a prescription. 13 In addition, because of lack of pharmacy involvement, OTC medications can be absent from the medical record, often because of forgetfulness or an individual’s belief in lack of risk based on the medication’s nonprescription status. 14 …”