Geriatric Pharmacology: Safe Medication Use for Seniors
When you’re over 65, your body processes drugs differently—geriatric pharmacology, the study of how medications affect older adults and how aging changes drug response. It’s not just about taking less—it’s about taking smarter. Pills that worked fine at 40 can cause dizziness, confusion, or falls at 75. That’s because liver and kidney function slow down, body fat increases, and muscle mass drops. These changes mean drugs stay longer in your system, building up to dangerous levels even at normal doses.
One big risk is polypharmacy, when seniors take five or more medications at once. It’s common—doctors treat high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, and sleep issues separately, but they don’t always see the full picture. A blood pressure pill might make your diabetes harder to control. An antihistamine for allergies could fog your brain. And if you’re also taking a supplement like St. John’s wort or magnesium? That’s another layer of risk. drug interactions in seniors, how two or more drugs or supplements clash in older bodies are the silent killers here. Many of these reactions aren’t caught until someone ends up in the ER.
Age-related drug metabolism, how the body breaks down and gets rid of medicines changes fast after 65. Your liver can’t filter as well. Your kidneys can’t flush out waste as fast. That’s why doctors need to adjust doses—not just cut them in half, but often lower them by 30% to 50%. Some drugs, like certain painkillers, sedatives, or heart meds, should be avoided entirely. Others, like low-dose aspirin or specific diuretics, can still be safe if monitored closely.
It’s not just about the pills. It’s about how you take them. Memory issues, vision problems, or shaky hands can lead to missed doses or double-dosing. A pill organizer isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. And if you’re unsure whether that new supplement is safe with your meds, don’t guess. Check with your pharmacist. They see the whole list, not just one prescription.
The posts below cover real cases and practical tips you can use right now. You’ll find guides on how to spot dangerous interactions between common drugs and supplements, why some antihistamines are riskier for seniors, how calcium levels drop with age, and what to do when a diabetes drug causes joint pain. There’s also advice on managing side effects from long-term antidepressants, understanding immune risks like IgA deficiency, and avoiding harmful over-the-counter choices. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re real-life checklists and comparisons written for people who need to stay safe, not just informed.
