Warning to millions who take antihistamines, cold pills and metformin

Furosemide and Indapamide (heart condition medications): "Medications prescribed for heart conditions such as heart failure or high blood pressure, like furosemide or indapamide, can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, meaning patients need to maintain consistent hydration. For older people, this can become risky quite quickly. If, for example, someone taking these tablets begins sweating more than usual, their blood pressure can fall sharply, raising the likelihood of dizziness and falls.”

Metformin (Type 2 Diabetes) + Furosemide (heart): "Metformin, a common treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, can cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis if the patient becomes dehydrated. Symptoms include extreme tiredness, muscle pain, nausea and cramps. When metformin is taken alongside heart medication such as furosemide, the risks are heightened, particularly in older patients, as dehydration can quickly make them more vulnerable to falls."

Antihistamines (hay fever) + Benzodiazepines (anxiety/sleep): "Many hay fever medications contain antihistamines, which are effective for easing symptoms but are also known to cause drowsiness. If older Brits are already unsteady on their feet, combining these with other sedating medications can increase the risk of falls. Benzodiazepines such as temazepam, diazepam and nitrazepam, which are commonly prescribed for anxiety or sleep problems, can add to drowsiness and confusion. Using these medications together should therefore be approached with care."

SSRIs (antidepressants) + Decongestants (cold/flu): "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram, are widely used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they can sometimes lead to drowsiness, slower reactions and confusion. When combined with decongestants found in cold and flu products, like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, they can also affect blood pressure, sleep and mood. Without proper monitoring, this interaction may result in unusual behaviour that can be distressing both for the patient and those around them."

Multiple medications (SSRIs, sedatives, antihistamines): "When confusion and slower reactions set in, the risks to a person’s safety rise considerably. They may misjudge their environment, take unnecessary risks, or, in more severe cases, fail to recognise or treat injuries. This danger is particularly acute for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, as medication side effects can add to existing vulnerabilities."