Blood-pressure medicines are extremely important because untreated hypertension itself can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels.
However, like all medications, they can have side effects.
For example, certain medicines can cause dizziness or low blood pressure, while calcium-channel blockers such as amlodipine may cause ankle swelling in some patients.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs can affect kidney function and potassium levels, which is why blood testing may sometimes be recommended.
These potential effects are not a reason to stop hypertension treatment.
For most patients who need these medicines, controlling high blood pressure provides major health benefits.
Older Adults Should Be Particularly Careful
Medication effects can change with age.
Kidney and liver function may change, and many older adults take several prescription and OTC products simultaneously.
This increases the possibility of drug interactions and duplicate ingredients.
NSAIDs are a particularly important example: FDA labeling identifies older age as one factor that increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
A periodic medication review with a doctor or pharmacist can therefore be valuable.
Watch for Duplicate Ingredients
This is one of the easiest medication mistakes to make.
You might take a painkiller and then a cold or flu medicine containing the same active ingredient.
FDA specifically warns consumers to check OTC labels because taking multiple medicines containing the same ingredient can unintentionally double the dose.
Don’t just read the product name.
Look for the Active Ingredient section.
Your Kidneys Are Especially Important
Kidney function affects how the body handles many medicines.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen deserve particular caution.
Long-term NSAID use can cause kidney injury, and the risk can become greater in people who are dehydrated or already have reduced kidney function.
People with chronic kidney disease should therefore check with a healthcare professional before routinely using OTC pain medicines.
Never Stop an Important Prescription Because of an Online List
This is the most important message in the article.
Seeing your medication mentioned here does not mean it’s damaging your body or that you should stop taking it.
The actual risk depends on your dose, how long you’ve taken the medicine, your age, kidney and liver function, other health conditions and the other medications you use.
Abruptly stopping some prescription drugs can itself be dangerous.
Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacist:
Do I still need this medicine? Is my dose appropriate? Are there important interactions? Do I need any blood tests or monitoring?
The Bottom Line
Every medication involves a balance between benefits and potential risks.
Common medicines such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, PPIs, decongestants, antihistamines, corticosteroids and cardiovascular medications aren’t automatically dangerous.
The real problems often arise from excessive doses, unnecessary long-term use, drug interactions, duplicate ingredients or use in people with particular risk factors.
Use medicines exactly as directed, keep your healthcare providers informed about everything you take—including OTC drugs and supplements—and periodically review long-term medications with your doctor or pharmacist.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
