The health alert concerns those who take tablets for things like colds and allergies up to those on medication for heart issues or diabetes.
11:54, 02 Sep 2025Updated 11:56, 02 Sep 2025
A health warning has been issued to millions of Brits who take common medication(Image: Getty Images)
A warning has been issued to millions of Brits who take common medications, including many over-the-counter tablets. Health experts have issued an alert to those who take pills for ailments like colds and allergies to more serious conditions including heart disease and diabetes.
Combining different medications could lead to people being at increased risk of serious side effects. The warning is especially apparent for older people.
A study by the Nuffield Trust found that just 41 per cent of people claimed they were “definitely” told about the possible side effects of the medication they are taking, The Mirror reports.
The research found that 30 per cent said that they were not told about the risks at all. This comes despite almost two million Brits over the age of 65 taking at least seven prescribed pills a day.
Lee Cartwright, an expert at Mobility Solutions Direct, has shared the most worrying medicine combinations that older people – and the rest of the population – need to be aware of.
Medicine combinations with potentially serious side effects
Combining medication could cause serious side effects(Image: Getty Images)Furosemide and Indapamide (heart conditions)
Lee said: “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) and Furosemide (heart)
Lee commented: “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) and Benzodiazepines (anxiety/sleep)
Lee said: “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) and Decongestants (cold/flu)
Lee said: “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)
Lee commented: “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.”
What to do if you have any side effects
Lee said: “Medication-related confusion may cause sudden changes in behaviour such as irritability, aggression, altered personality, rambling speech, or difficulty concentrating. Keep a careful eye on those showing these symptoms, as they may be more vulnerable to accidents.
“Practical steps within the home can greatly reduce these risks. Checking for hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting on stairs, or slippery floors is essential. Simple measures, like securing rug edges with tape, installing non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens, and improving visibility, can have a significant impact on safety.
“While the prospect of falls can understandably be worrying, the key point is that straightforward, preventative action can make all the difference. By addressing these risks early, older adults can remain safe and independent in their own homes for longer.”
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