As we tidy up our medicine cabinets with spring cleaning, it’s essential to take a closer look at the medications that are no longer necessary or effective. In this article, we’ll explore four medications that deserve your attention.
For decades, daily low-dose aspirin was recommended for heart disease prevention. However, new guidelines from 2022 suggest that people over 60 should avoid taking it unless they’ve had a heart attack or stroke. The risk of bleeding outweighs the cardiovascular benefits.
Another medication to reevaluate is phenylephrine, an ingredient in many cold medicines. Research shows that it’s no more effective than a placebo due to its high absorption rate and limited impact on nasal congestion.
A stand-alone stool softener like Colace doesn’t provide significant benefits and can be replaced with more effective options like psyllium.
Lastly, Benadryl’s active ingredient diphenhydramine is often misjudged as harmless but poses risks for older adults, particularly when combined with other medications. Experts advise against its use in this age group.
By reassessing these medications and following the FDA guidelines, we can maintain a safer and more efficient medicine cabinet.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/03/16/common-medications-guidance