Complex Medication Regimens

Like many individuals with I/DD, complex medication regimens are common for those with Down syndrome, who are at increased risk of a variety of health problems like heart disease, epilepsy, and mental health issues. To treat these conditions, medications commonly taken by individuals with Down syndrome include:

  • Diuretics and digoxin: Diuretics are used to treat heart failure by flushing excess fluids out of the body while digoxin can improve heart function and regulate heartbeat.
  • Thyroid hormones: According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 60 percent of individuals with Down syndrome develop hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. And at least 30 percent have thyroid autoimmunity.
  • Anticonvulsants: One in 10 individuals with Down syndrome will develop epilepsy at some point, according to the Down’s Syndrome Association. That’s compared to one in 100 in the general population.
  • Psychiatric medications: Depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and behavioral issues like aggression are common in individuals with Down syndrome.
  • Medications for dementia: The NIH National Institute on Aging estimates suggest that 50% of individuals with Down syndrome will develop dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease as they age.

Why individuals with Down syndrome take multiple mediations:

They have a one in 10 chance of developing epilepsy during their lifetime;

60% have hypothyroidism and 30% have thyroid autoimmunity;

50% will develop dementia due to Alzheimer's disease as they age;

Up to 50% have cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death in this population;

50-65% are born with congenital heart defects; and

They are 12 times more likely to die from an infectious disease compared to the general population.


Making Medication Management Easier

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