Richmond, VA Guide to Safer Prescription Medication Use

Medication routines can become complicated when an older adult takes several prescriptions, uses over-the-counter products, or receives care from more than one clinician. A safe system reduces missed doses, duplicate ingredients, harmful interactions, and side effects that may contribute to confusion or falls.

What should be included in a medication list?

A complete medication list should include every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, supplement, and herbal product being used. Include the medication name, strength, dose, schedule, reason for use, prescribing clinician, and known allergies.

Keep the list updated when a medicine is started, stopped, or changed. Store one copy at home and carry another in a wallet, purse, or phone. A family member or trusted caregiver should know where to find it.

The list is especially useful during:

• Emergency department visits
• Hospital admissions or discharges
• Routine medical appointments
• Dental visits
• Transportation or travel
• Changes in insurance or pharmacy records

The Food and Drug Administration says an accurate medication list can help reduce medication errors and adverse drug interactions. ([fda.gov](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/create-and-keep-medication-list-your-health?utm_source=openai))

How can older adults avoid medication mix-ups?

Use the same routine each day whenever possible. Taking medicine alongside an established habit, such as breakfast or brushing teeth, may make doses easier to remember. However, food can affect some medicines, so the instructions on the label should come first.

A weekly pill organizer may help, but it is not appropriate for every medication. Some medicines need to remain in their original containers, and certain pills should not be removed from packaging until use. Ask a pharmacist before transferring a medicine to another container.

Other practical steps include:

• Use a written schedule or electronic reminder.
• Take medicines in a well-lit area rather than in the dark.
• Read the label every time, especially when bottles look alike.
• Confirm the name, dose, and directions before taking a new prescription.
• Avoid placing different medicines together in one unlabeled container.
• Mark a schedule when a dose is taken if memory problems are present.
• Have a caregiver double-check medications when vision, memory, or hand strength makes self-management difficult.

Do not take an extra dose simply because a medicine does not seem to be working quickly. If a dose is missed, follow the medication instructions or ask a pharmacist rather than guessing.

Which medicines may increase the risk of falls?

Some prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, slower reactions, or poor balance. These effects may be more noticeable after a new prescription, a dose increase, dehydration, illness, or a change in daily routine.

Medicines used for sleep, anxiety, pain, blood pressure, and some allergies can require special attention. Alcohol may intensify sedation or impair judgment. A medicine that was tolerated for years can also become more difficult to handle as the body changes with age.

A fall, new unsteadiness, unusual sleepiness, or sudden confusion should be reported promptly. Do not stop a prescription abruptly unless a clinician gives specific instructions. Some medicines must be reduced gradually, and stopping certain treatments suddenly can be dangerous. CDC resources identify medication-related dizziness, drowsiness, balance problems, and vision changes as concerns for older adults. ([cdc.gov](https://cdc.gov/older-adult-drivers/medicine/index.html?utm_source=openai))

Why should over-the-counter medicines and supplements be reviewed?

“Over-the-counter” does not mean risk-free. Pain relievers, sleep aids, cold remedies, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal products can interact with prescriptions or worsen an existing condition.
Duplicate ingredients are a common problem. For example, more than one product may contain acetaminophen, even when the product names are different. Taking several products with the same active ingredient can lead to an excessive dose.
Bring all medication containers, or a current list, to a medication review. Include products used only occasionally. Tell the pharmacist or clinician about alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use because these may change how medicines work.
The National Institute on Aging recommends discussing allergies, previous side effects, supplements, food instructions, driving safety, and what to do if a dose is missed before starting a new medicine. ([nia.nih.gov](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicines-and-medication-management/taking-medicines-safely-you-age?utm_source=openai))

How should medicines be stored in a Richmond household?

Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, children, and pets. A bathroom medicine cabinet may be convenient but can expose medications to humidity from showers. A bedroom drawer or another climate-controlled location may be more suitable, unless the label gives different instructions.
Richmond’s hot, humid summer conditions make heat-sensitive storage worth checking carefully. Do not leave medicines in a vehicle, near a stove, on a sunny windowsill, or in an unconditioned space. Some medicines require refrigeration, while others can be damaged by freezing, so follow the label or ask a pharmacist.
Prescription pain medicines and other controlled medications should be stored securely. If a bottle without a child-resistant cap is necessary because of limited hand strength, use a locked location that remains accessible to the intended adult but not to children or visitors.

What should happen when a medicine causes a problem?

Possible side effects should be written down with the date, time, dose, and symptoms. Include whether the person had eaten, consumed alcohol, or taken another medicine nearby. This information can help identify a pattern.
Seek urgent medical help for symptoms such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, severe chest pain, signs of a stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious overdose. If too much medicine was taken or a child may have swallowed a prescription, contact Poison Control or emergency services immediately.
For less urgent concerns—such as persistent dizziness, nausea, rash, confusion, constipation, weakness, or extreme sleepiness—ask a pharmacist or prescribing clinician for guidance. Do not assume that a new symptom is simply part of aging. FDA guidance notes that medication effects and interactions can contribute to new symptoms or mood changes in older adults. ([fda.gov](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/you-age-you-and-your-medicines?utm_source=openai))

How should unused or expired medicine be discarded?

Do not save discontinued medicine “just in case,” share it with another person, or use it after the expiration date without specific medical guidance. Keeping unneeded prescriptions increases the risk of accidental use, misuse, and confusion.
Virginia guidance recommends using an authorized collection location or a community medication take-back event when available. Medicines should not generally be flushed or poured down a drain. If no collection option is available, follow current FDA disposal instructions for that specific medication; some medicines have special flushing directions, while most should be made unusable and placed in household trash according to the instructions. ([deq.virginia.gov](https://www.deq.virginia.gov/land-waste/solid-hazardous-waste/special-waste?utm_source=openai))

When is a medication review especially useful?

A review is worthwhile after a hospital stay, new diagnosis, fall, change in memory, unexplained fatigue, or a move between homes. It is also useful when several clinicians prescribe medicines or when the daily schedule has become difficult to follow.

The goal is not to stop medicines independently. The goal is to confirm that each medication still has a clear purpose, the dose remains appropriate, and the full combination is safe. A current list, original containers, and a record of recent symptoms can make that review more accurate.