You might think the most dangerous medications are the ones that require a prescription—but that’s not always true. Some of the biggest risks of sending people to the emergency room come from everyday over-the-counter drugs sitting in your medicine cabinet right now. The real danger isn’t just the medication itself—it’s when your doctor doesn’t know you’re taking it. In fact, studies show that many older adults unknowingly mix OTC drugs with prescriptions, creating dangerous interactions that can lead to hospitalization. If you’ve ever skipped mentioning a “simple” medication at a doctor’s visit, this list could change how you think about your health—and possibly prevent a trip to the ER.
