The Takeaway
- Seniors use more medications than any other age group, making shortages feel sharper.
- Nine categories from the FDA’s list stand out as especially senior-relevant.
- This guide explains each drug type in plain English — what it’s for and why the shortage matters.
- Helpful as a reference in doctor visits or pharmacy conversations.
The FDA’s official shortage list is 88 items long — but only a slice of those affect daily life for older adults. To make things easier, we pulled the nine categories most likely to touch seniors, based on usage patterns and chronic conditions.
Here’s the list, explained without medical jargon.
1. Heart Failure & Blood Pressure Medications
Examples: Furosemide, Bumetanide, Propranolol, Nitroglycerin (injection)
These drugs keep fluid off the lungs, control arrhythmias, and stabilize blood pressure.
Why it matters:
Heart disease remains the No. 1 condition among Americans 65+.
2. Diabetes & Blood Sugar Emergency Drugs
Examples: Liraglutide, Dextrose injections (5%, 10%, 50%, 70%)
These help control blood sugar or treat dangerously low levels.
Why it matters:
Type 2 diabetes is most common among older adults.
3. COPD & Asthma Nebulizer Solutions
Example: Albuterol Sulfate Solution
Used in home nebulizers and emergency settings for breathing problems.
Why it matters:
Millions of older adults rely on nebulizers daily.
4. Antibiotics for Lung, Skin, and Urinary Infections
Examples: Clindamycin, Cefotaxime, Metronidazole, Rifampin
These treat infections that can become severe in older adults.
Why it matters:
Infection risks — especially respiratory infections — rise with age.
5. Anxiety, Seizure & Sedation Medications
Examples: Clonazepam tablets, Lorazepam injection, Midazolam
Used for panic episodes, procedures, seizures, and certain chronic conditions.
6. Pain Medications Used for Surgery & Recovery
Examples: Morphine, Hydromorphone, Fentanyl
These are used in hospitals, post-surgery, during cancer treatment, and in hospice settings.
7. ADHD & Cognitive Focus Medications
Examples: Adderall, Vyvanse, Methylphenidate ER
These shortages hit more older adults than people realize — prescriptions among seniors have sharply increased in recent years.
8. Eye Medications
Examples: Bacitracin ophthalmic, Echothiophate
Used around cataract surgery and for certain chronic eye diseases.
9. Steroids for Inflammation & Emergency Treatment
Examples: Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate, Dexamethasone
Used for severe inflammation, autoimmune issues, and emergency treatment.
Health Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information. Consult your clinician before making any medication changes.
