Over-The-Counter Remedies in Older Adults: Patterns of Use, Potential Pitfalls, and Proposed Solutions

Abstract

Over-the-counter (OTC) products such as pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal remedies are widely available and copiously used by older adults for health maintenance and symptom management. Owing to physiology, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy, this population is particularly vulnerable to inappropriate use of OTC products, adverse effects, and drug interactions. While OTC pharmaceuticals are bound by FDA-approved standards, dietary supplements are regulated differently, resulting in variable quality and increased possibility for adulteration. Internationally, standards for OTC products vary widely. Accessible educational information, improved provider-patient communication, and revision of regulatory policy could improve safety for older adult users of OTC products.

Keywords: Adverse effects; Dietary supplements; Drug–drug interactions; FDA regulations; Geriatric/older adult population; Nonprescription/OTC medications.