
When you walk down the pharmacy aisle, it’s easy to assume over-the-counter medications are harmless. But for older adults, even common drugs can come with serious risks—from dizziness and confusion to dangerous interactions with prescriptions. In fact, millions of seniors experience adverse drug events each year, and more than half involve everyday OTC medications. As we age, our bodies process medications differently, making even “safe” remedies potentially risky. If you or a loved one takes multiple medications, this list could help prevent costly—and sometimes life-threatening—mistakes.