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Drug Combinations Putting Seniors at Risk

However, the use of over-the-counter medications was the same for men and women, the researchers found.

More than 50 percent of those surveyed used five or more prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements. Among those taking prescription medications, 29 percent used more than five drugs and drug use increased with age among both men and women, Qato's group reports.

In addition, the researchers found that 68 percent of older adults used prescription drugs plus over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements. Among those combining drugs, 4 percent were in danger of having an adverse drug reaction.

Moreover, the rate of adverse drug interactions increased with age, particularly among women. Over 50 percent of these interactions involved the use of over-the-counter medications, the researchers found.

The most common adverse interactions occurred with blood thinners such as warfarin and antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin, Qato's group found.

"Physicians and pharmacists need to ask older patients about all the medications they use -- prescription and nonprescription -- and patients need to be prepared to share this information," Qato said.

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Diane Porter

Adrenal Hormones Guide