Dangerous Drug Interactions Declined Among Older Adults

While total pill use rose, fewer seniors faced major drug-drug interactions between 2015 and 2023.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Senior Health

Isometric editorial illustration featuring three plain, unlabelled, solid-colored pill vials neatly arranged, representing medical safety trends. — A new analysis reveals that while total medication use among older Americans rose from 2015 to 2023, the rate of major drug-drug interactions has significantly declined. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you feel confident about the safety of the various medications and supplements you take daily?

Between 2015 and 2023, the proportion of older Americans taking multiple medications and supplements grew, yet the rate of potentially major drug-drug interactions actually fell. This trend reflects shifting prescribing patterns that have prioritized reducing certain high-risk combinations.

Why it matters

Managing multiple health conditions often requires complex medication regimens, making it vital to balance the benefits of treatment with the risk of adverse reactions. These findings suggest that current clinical practices are increasingly successful at avoiding the most dangerous pharmacological conflicts.

A study tracking 4,940 individuals across two periods—2015-2016 and 2021-2023—found that while polypharmacy rose for both prescriptions and supplements, major drug-drug interactions dropped. Researchers identified these interactions using the Cerner-Multum Lexicon Plus database.

The details

The analysis indicates that while seniors are taking more total medications and supplements, the composition of these regimens has changed in ways that mitigate major risks. Specifically, while muscle relaxant interactions increased, clinicians significantly reduced the use of overlapping regimens involving benzodiazepines and opioid analgesics. Antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies remain the most common components found in major interacting regimens.

2015-2016: Data collection for the initial study period.
2021-2023: Data collection for the second study period.

Health Landscape

This study maps to the ongoing evolution of geriatric pharmacotherapy, where the clinical focus is shifting from simply managing polypharmacy to minimizing its specific safety risks. It reflects a broader healthcare trend toward optimizing complex medication regimens for safety.

If you take multiple prescriptions or over-the-counter supplements, it is worth discussing your full list of medications with your doctor at your next visit. Specifically, ask them to audit your regimen for any potential interactions, especially if you are currently taking statins, antiplatelets, or antidepressants.

The takeaway

While the total number of pills in a typical senior's daily routine is rising, the actual risk of harmful drug interactions is trending downward. Keep a comprehensive, up-to-date list of all medications and supplements to review with your physician during every consultation.