When we talk about geriatric drugs, medications specifically used or adjusted for older adults due to changes in metabolism, kidney function, and body composition. Also known as senior medications, these are not just smaller doses of adult drugs—they’re often completely different in how they’re chosen, monitored, and stopped. As people age, their bodies process medicine differently. What works fine at 40 might cause dizziness, confusion, or falls at 75. That’s why geriatric drugs need special attention—not because older adults are fragile, but because their physiology has changed.
One big issue is polypharmacy, the use of five or more medications at once, common in seniors managing multiple chronic conditions. It’s not rare for someone to take blood pressure pills, diabetes meds, arthritis painkillers, sleep aids, and an antidepressant—all at the same time. But each one adds risk. A simple antihistamine for allergies might cause memory fog. A muscle relaxant could make walking unsafe. And mixing drugs? That’s where real danger hides. Many drug interactions, harmful combinations that occur when two or more medications affect each other’s function in the body aren’t obvious until someone ends up in the ER. That’s why doctors now use tools like the Beers Criteria and STOPP/START guidelines—to cut out the risky stuff and keep what actually helps.
It’s not just about what’s prescribed. It’s about what’s stopped. Many seniors stay on medications long after they’re needed. A proton pump inhibitor for heartburn taken for years? Might increase fracture risk. A statin for cholesterol with no symptoms? Could cause muscle pain without benefit. The goal isn’t to stop everything—it’s to stop what doesn’t belong. And that’s where the real work begins: reviewing every pill, asking why it’s still there, and checking if the benefits still outweigh the risks. The posts below cover exactly that: specific drugs used in older adults, how they affect the brain, kidneys, and heart, and what safer options exist. You’ll find comparisons of common meds like antihistamines, anti-nausea pills, and pain relievers—all through the lens of senior safety. No fluff. Just clear, practical info to help you or a loved one avoid hidden dangers and stay healthier longer.
The Beers Criteria identify potentially dangerous medications for adults over 65. Learn which drugs to avoid, why they're risky, and how to talk to your doctor about safer alternatives.
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