At The Gardens at Broadmoor Court assisted living community, we believe informed families and residents are better prepared to make the best decisions about care. Here’s what you should know about antibiotics and older adults.

A Quick Look at the Good and Bad of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections and skin infections. When used appropriately, they can stop harmful bacteria from spreading and help people recover more quickly.

However, antibiotics aren’t without drawbacks. Overprescribing them or using them for viral illnesses (like colds or the flu) can reduce their effectiveness over time — a problem known as antibiotic resistance. Even when prescribed correctly, antibiotics can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, yeast infections or upset stomach. For many people, these issues are mild. However, in some cases, they can lead to serious complications.

Older Adults and Antibiotics

One outcome of the aging process is that the body can become more or less sensitive to medication. It's different for everyone, and you might find you react differently to certain medications and not others. That includes antibiotics.

Your body might process antibiotics and other medications in surprising ways, and you might also have health conditions or take other meds that change how the antibiotics work. Being cautious about any new medications and asking questions about what side effects to expect and when you need to speak to a medical provider about them can help you remain safe when taking medications.

Let's dig a bit deeper into antibiotics for older adults.

Common Reasons Older Adults Might Be Prescribed Antibiotics

Some reasons doctors might prescribe antibiotics include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory infections
• Skin infections
• Ear or sinus infections
• Post-surgical infections
• Dental abscesses

Specific Concerns for Older Adults When Using Antibiotics

Most people tolerate antibiotics well, including many older adults. However, as you age, you might become more vulnerable to certain side effects. Being aware of those concerns helps you plan proactively when you need to take antibiotics. Concerns can include:

• Digestive upset or diarrhea. Antibiotics are designed to attack bacteria in your body to fight off infection, but sometimes good bacteria get caught up in the process. That includes good bacteria in your gut; when that balance is thrown off, you might experience digestive issues. If the situation gets severe, it can be dangerous to overall health.
• Medication interactions. Antibiotics may interfere with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners, antacids or heart medications. This can reduce the effectiveness of your existing meds or increase your risks of side effects.
• Organ strain. Your kidney and liver help process medication. However, if you have reduced function in these organs due to chronic conditions or general aging processes, antibiotics could put some strain on your kidney or liver.
• Allergic reactions. Older adults may develop allergic reactions to certain antibiotics. While this is rare, it's good to understand the possibility so you can watch for signs of a reaction.
• Sudden confusion or delirium. In rare cases, older adults may react to certain antibiotics with changes in mental status, including sudden confusion or delirium. This reaction can be alarming to the person taking the medication as well as loved ones.

Tips for Safe Antibiotic Use

Always review the potential side effects of any medication you're prescribed with your doctor and/or pharmacist. Read the paperwork provided to you about side effects, or have someone you trust read them. That way, you can look out for side effects together.

Report any potential side effects to your doctor, caregiver or medical team. Your medical team may be able to provide advice about reducing the impact of side effects; in some cases, they may opt to switch your antibiotic to avoid dangerous side effects.

If you take any medication regularly — even OTC meds or supplements — tell your doctor and pharmacist. They can help you understand if there are concerning interactions with your antibiotic and make a plan to reduce those issues.

Soften the digestive blow of antibiotics by taking them with food. Even if you don't feel super-well or hungry, try to get a little food in your stomach just before you take an antibiotic. Something like saltines or toast can help reduce how much digestive discomfort the medication might cause.

Always take medication as prescribed. This is especially important with antibiotics, as completing the full round as prescribed helps ensure the medication is effective. Consider setting up alarms and reminders on your phone to ensure you take the medication at the right time, and use a pillbox to organize your meds for safe dosing every day.

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