8 Over-the-Counter Drugs the FDA Just Flagged as Dangerous for Anyone Over 60

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For many seniors, the local pharmacy aisle is a go-to resource for managing the minor aches, pains, and sniffles that come with aging. However, as we move into 2026, the FDA and leading geriatric researchers are sounding a louder alarm about the “hidden” dangers of common non-prescription pills. What worked for you in your 40s can be a recipe for disaster once you cross the age 60 threshold due to changes in liver and kidney function. Recent updates to the Beers Criteria highlight how certain chemicals now linger in the senior bloodstream longer, increasing the risk of life-altering side effects. Before you reach for your usual bottle, you need to know which staples have been officially flagged as high-risk for the 60-plus demographic.

1. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and “PM” Sleep Aids)

Perhaps the most significant warning involves first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine, commonly found in Benadryl and various “PM” pain relievers. The FDA has clarified that for seniors, this drug acts as a potent anticholinergic, which can cause severe confusion, dry mouth, and urinary retention. More alarmingly, it has been linked to a sharp increase in nighttime falls and “micro-delirium” that mimics the early stages of dementia. Many seniors take these regularly for sleep, unaware that the drug’s half-life nearly doubles as we age, leaving you “medicated” well into the next afternoon. Transitioning to a non-drug sleep routine or a newer-generation antihistamine is now the recommended gold standard for senior safety.

2. NSAIDs: Ibuprofen and Naproxen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve)

While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a staple for arthritis, the FDA’s guidance emphasizes their high risk for gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney stress in older adults. Even short-term use of ibuprofen or naproxen can cause significant fluid retention, which can exacerbate existing heart failure or high blood pressure. According to the American Pharmacists Association, the risk of stomach ulcers increases exponentially when these are paired with common senior prescriptions like blood thinners or steroids. For chronic pain, experts now suggest topical gels or acetaminophen as safer alternatives that don’t pass through the digestive system with such force. If you must use NSAIDs, the FDA now insists on the “lowest dose for the shortest possible duration.”

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid)

Heartburn medications known as PPIs are frequently overused by seniors who have been taking them for years without a clinical review. The FDA has flagged long-term OTC use of these drugs due to their interference with calcium and magnesium absorption, leading to increased bone fracture risk. Furthermore, prolonged use has been linked to a higher incidence of C. difficile infections and potentially even kidney disease in the elderly. Many patients don’t realize these were originally intended for short-term “burst” therapy of 14 days, not as a permanent lifestyle fix. If you’ve been on a PPI for months, it’s time to consult your doctor about a supervised “step-down” plan to avoid rebound acid.

4. Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine (Decongestants)

If you have high blood pressure, the FDA warnings against OTC decongestants are particularly relevant to your heart health. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, found in many “Sinus and Cold” formulas, work by constricting blood vessels, which can cause a dangerous spike in heart rate and blood pressure. For a senior already managing cardiovascular issues, this can trigger palpitations or even a stroke in extreme cases. The FDA’s Division of Drug Information recommends that those over 60 switch to saline nasal sprays or “HBP” (High Blood Pressure) labeled cold medicines. Always check the back of the box for these “hidden” stimulants that can turn a common cold into a cardiac event.

5. Doxylamine Succinate (Unisom and Cold Liquids)

Similar to diphenhydramine, doxylamine is an older antihistamine often found in liquid nighttime cold medicines and standalone sleep aids. The 2026 safety data indicate that this specific chemical is exceptionally long-acting in seniors, leading to significant “morning-after” grogginess and impaired balance. This “hangover effect” is a primary contributor to early-morning falls, which remain a leading cause of hospitalization for those over 60. The FDA has noted that many seniors inadvertently double-dose on this ingredient by taking a sleep aid alongside a nighttime cold syrup. If you are struggling with congestion at night, look for products that omit the “nighttime” sedative component to keep your coordination intact.

6. Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

It might look harmless in its pink bottle, but bismuth subsalicylate contains a chemical cousin of aspirin that can be problematic for older adults. The FDA warns that seniors taking blood thinners or those with a history of ulcers should be extremely cautious, as it can increase the risk of internal bleeding. Furthermore, the salicylate component can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or even toxicity if taken in large doses or over a long period. Many geriatricians are steering patients toward simpler antacids or lifestyle changes to manage upset stomachs. If you find yourself reaching for the “pink stuff” more than once a week, it’s a signal that an underlying issue needs professional medical attention.

7. Magnesium Citrate (Saline Laxatives)

For seniors dealing with chronic constipation, magnesium citrate is often used as a “quick fix” for irregularity. However, the FDA has flagged the risk of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration in older adults who use these saline laxatives frequently. Because our kidneys become less efficient at processing excess minerals as we age, a sudden influx of magnesium can cause heart rhythm issues or severe muscle weakness. The National Institute on Aging suggests that seniors focus on fiber and hydration before turning to these harsh osmotic laxatives. If you do use them, it should be under the strict guidance of a physician who can monitor your kidney function and mineral levels.

8. Chlorpheniramine (Allergy and Multi-Symptom Pills)

Commonly found in many “multi-symptom” allergy and cold tablets, chlorpheniramine is another anticholinergic that the FDA recommends avoiding in the 60-plus population. Like its cousins, it can cause significant cognitive clouding, making it dangerous for anyone already dealing with mild cognitive impairment. The push is toward “second-generation” antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine, which do not cross the blood-brain barrier as easily and carry a much lower risk of sedation. Many seniors take chlorpheniramine because “it’s what they’ve always used,” but the 2026 safety profile suggests it’s time for an upgrade. Switching to a “non-drowsy” alternative can help keep your mind sharp and your body steady.

Reviewing Your Medicine Cabinet for 2026

The easiest way to protect yourself is to perform a “brown bag review”—put every OTC bottle you own into a bag and take it to your next doctor’s appointment or pharmacist visit. Ask specifically if any of your medications fall under the 2026 Beers Criteria or if they contain “hidden” anticholinergics. You might be surprised to find that your daily supplements or occasional cold pills are actually working against your long-term health. Staying informed and being willing to swap old habits for newer, safer alternatives is the best way to ensure your golden years aren’t tarnished by preventable drug interactions. Your health is worth the extra five minutes it takes to read the fine print on the back of the box.

Have you checked your medicine cabinet lately? Talk to your pharmacist today to see if your OTC favorites are on the 2026 “avoid” list.