What is one risk associated with herbal supplements in elderly patients?

The potential for drug interactions is a significant risk associated with herbal supplements in elderly patients. As individuals age, they are often prescribed multiple medications for various health conditions. Herbal supplements can interact with these prescribed medications, leading to altered effectiveness or increased toxicity. For example, certain herbs may enhance or inhibit the metabolism of medications in the liver, which can result in either reduced efficacy or adverse effects.

Elderly patients may also have age-related changes in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, making them more susceptible to these interactions. Since herbal products can vary widely in strength and composition, predicting their effects becomes more complex, putting elderly patients at added risk. This highlights the importance of healthcare providers assessing all supplements and medications a patient is using to ensure safety and effectiveness while managing their health conditions.