Health. Are certain medications responsible for falls in the elderly?

Not uncommon in the aging population, falls can cause serious injuries, including fractures, head trauma, etc. With potentially serious consequences, especially if the person is isolated and unable to get up.

This is why properly identifying the risk factors makes it possible to limit and prevent these falls. Among these factors, taking medication cannot be ruled out.

What drugs are we talking about?

• These are in particular drugs acting on the nervous system by causing or aggravating psychic or neurological disorders by sedative effects or confusion, memory or motor disorders (medicines acting on the nervous system, antiepileptics, painkillers, those against incontinence);
• Some cause or aggravate dizziness (cytotoxic, antibiotics, antituberculous);
• Others act on the cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure or cause discomfort (medicines against hypertension or symptoms of an enlarged prostate, antiparkinsonians, diabetes medicines such as gliflozins);
• Some cause heart function disorders (antimalarials, antiarrhythmics, etc.), water or electrolyte disorders (diuretics, laxatives, etc.), disturbances in blood sugar levels or other disorders that cause falls (anaemia, heart rate, damage to muscles and tendons).

This is why it is important to regularly re-examine the real interest of each prescription drug to consider a reduction in dosage, or even a scheduled stop to avoid the occurrence of falls with their complications.

Especially when the person is already at high risk: those with a history of falling, bothered by a visual deficit, urinary incontinence or functional disability.