OLDER ADULTS AT INCREASED RISK FOR POISONING

OLDER ADULTS AT INCREASED RISK FOR POISONING,
WARNS OKLAHOMA POISON CONTROL CENTER



OKLAHOMA CITY – Because seniors take the majority of medications and have the most reported reactions to drugs, they are an at-risk population for poisoning, warns the Oklahoma Poison Control Center.
“As we age, how the body handles medications can change, leaving seniors more at risk for side effects and drug interactions,” said Lee McGoodwin, managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Control Center.
On average, seniors over the age of 55 take four to five prescribed medications and three over-the-counter products. Over-the-counter medications include vitamins, calcium, aspirin, pain relievers and laxatives.
“Seniors can be three to four times more likely than younger age groups to encounter adverse drug reactions that result in harm,” said Mark A. Stratton, professor and Herbert & Dorothy Langsam Endowed Chair in Geriatric Pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy.
Unintentional poisoning occurs among seniors for the following reasons:
• Failure to read the label
• Too-fine print on the label, making it difficult to read
• Poor lighting, again making labels more difficult to read
• Forgetting if a dose was taken
• Mixing products together that, when combined, are harmful
• Placing a small amount of a left-over medication in an unmarked container
• Storing medicines, cleaners and personal care products together in the pantry or medicine cabinet
• Pouring chemicals into containers that are used for drinking
• Storing multiple medications by the bedside and taking the wrong one
It also is important to remember that alcohol should be used with caution when taking medications because of the risk of drug interaction. Many over-the-counter products contain alcohol; therefore, be sure to read labels and know what ingredients are in the product.
The Oklahoma Poison Control Center recommends the following prevention tips for seniors:
• Keep a list of medications, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products. Write down the name, dose and when it is to be taken.
• Learn about the medicine being taken as well as possible reactions and side effects.
• Use one pharmacy, if possible, so the pharmacist can check for possible interactions between medications.
• Write down when medicine is given and how much. This will help decrease the chances of missing doses or taking more than needed.
• Practice proper storage and disposal of medications, cleaning products, personal care products and toxic chemicals.
• Keep all medicine, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbals, out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Post the poison control center number, 1-800-222-1222, in a visible location.
For more medication tips, visit the Oklahoma Poison Control Center Web site at www.oklahomapoison.org.
The poison center is staffed 24 hours a day by specially trained pharmacists and registered nurses. All calls are free and confidential. The Poison Control Center is a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy at the OU Health Sciences Center.