These Everyday Painkillers Could Land You in the ER

Each year, more than 178,000 Americans end up in the hospital due to reactions from over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and adults 65 and older are hit hardest, AARP reports. They're not just more likely to take multiple prescriptions, but also more vulnerable to how meds affect the aging body, from slowed kidney function to reduced liver efficiency to lower stomach acid. That innocent pill in your bathroom cabinet? It might be doing more harm than good.

Here are 10 OTC medications that can become unexpectedly risky as you get older — and why you might want to think twice before reaching for them.

1. Ibuprofen and Naproxen

These common pain relievers, found in brands like Advil^®, Motrin^®, and Aleve^®, belong to a class called NSAIDs. While great at dulling pain, they can wreak havoc on older adults' stomach linings — leading to bleeding ulcers, heart problems, and kidney damage, especially for those on blood thinners or with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Long-term use only multiplies the risk.

2. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol^®) might sound tame, but overuse is a leading cause of liver failure in the US, AARP reports. And because it's often hidden in cold and flu combos, it's easy to exceed safe doses without realizing it. If you have liver disease or drink alcohol regularly, this one's especially dicey.

3. Aspirin

It used to be the go-to for heart attack prevention — but not anymore. For adults over 60 who haven't had a heart attack or stroke, daily aspirin may actually do more harm than good. It increases bleeding risks, especially in the stomach.

4. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl^®)

This popular antihistamine is also an active ingredient in sleep aids like Tylenol PM and Advil PM. But it can cause confusion, memory loss, dry mouth, and even hallucinations in older adults. You may want to seek safer alternatives for allergies and sleep.

5. Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine

These decongestants — found in Sudafed^® and other cold meds — can spike blood pressure and worsen prostate issues. Combined with NSAIDs, they can dangerously elevate stroke risk. Even worse? Recent studies suggest oral phenylephrine may not even work as intended.

6. Steroid Nasal Sprays (Flonase^®, Rhinocort^®)

Fluticasone and budesonide can cause nosebleeds, irritate nasal passages, and raise eye pressure — a major concern for glaucoma patients. Misuse is common, and seniors often don't know they're overdoing it.

7. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Heartburn drugs like Prilosec^®, Nexium^®, and Prevacid^® are safe short-term, but when taken for months (or years), they can increase fracture risk, cause nutrient deficiencies, and even lead to infections like C. diff. Many older adults take them far too long without realizing the risks.

8. Magnesium Citrate and Milk of Magnesia

Laxatives might seem harmless, but magnesium-based options can disrupt electrolytes — leading to irregular heart rhythms or dangerous magnesium buildup in people with kidney issues. Even the "safer" options like milk of magnesia carry risks if used too often.

9. Oxybutynin (Oxytrol^® for Women)

Used to control overactive bladder, oxybutynin comes with a price: dry mouth, constipation, dizziness — and a potential link to dementia. It's part of the anticholinergic family, a class of meds widely flagged as problematic for aging brains.

10. Dietary Supplements

Natural doesn't mean safe. Supplements like St. John's wort, ginkgo, garlic, and kava can cause everything from bleeding risks to liver toxicity. And fat-soluble vitamins — A, D, E, and K — build up in the body over time, raising the danger of overdose, especially if you're already taking a multivitamin.

The truth is, what once worked in your 40s might backfire in your 70s. Age changes everything — from how drugs are absorbed to how they're cleared from your system. That's why it's essential to keep a running list of every supplement and pill you take and review it regularly with your pharmacist or doctor. Your future self might thank you.

References: 10 Over-the-Counter Medications That Can Become Risky After 50 | Learn More: Ten Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use with Caution | 11 Medications That Can Cause Confusion and Other Serious Side Effects in the Elderly | Magnesium: What Is, Functions, Benefits, Deficiency, and Dosage