The High Prevalence and Complexity of Over-the-Counter Medication Misuse in Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Older adults (≥65 years) are the largest consumers of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and exceptionally vulnerable to the risks of these medications, including adverse drug events (ADEs). However, little is known about how older adults select and use OTCs. This is the first multisite study designed to prospectively quantify the type and intended use of OTCs selected by older adults in community pharmacies where products are purchased.

Research design and methods

Older adults (n = 144) were recruited from 10 community pharmacies from a Midwestern health system. Participants were given hypothetical symptoms and asked to select one or more OTCs for self-treatment. They were asked to report how they would use the products at symptom onset and

SUBMITTER: Chladek JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11511907 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature