OTC Medications and Older Adults: Where the Risks Hide and How Pharmacists Can Help

Author(s)Yvette C. Terrie, BSPharm, RPh

With nearly 8 in 10 older adults misusing at least 1 OTC product, clearer counseling and labels could close the gap.

Every day, millions of Americans use an array of nonprescription drugs for routine management of mild to moderate symptoms of various conditions and as preventive measures for proactive self‑care and to promote overall health and well-being. Older adults, typically defined as individuals 65 years and older, represent one of the leading patient populations that utilize nonprescription drugs.¹