Drugs to Be Used With Caution in Older Adults (Based on the American Geriatrics Society 2019 Beers Criteria® Update)
Drug | Reason for Caution |
|---|---|
Use with caution in patients ≥ 70 years | |
Use with caution for treatment if venous thromboembolism (VTE) or atrial fibrillation in patients ≥ 75 years | |
Use with caution in patients ≥ 75 years. Increased risk of bleeding; benefit may offset risk in highest-risk older adults (eg, those with previous myocardial infarction or diabetes mellitus) | |
Antipsychotics Diuretics Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) | May worsen or cause syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion or hyponatremia Monitor sodium level closely when starting or changing dosages |
Limited efficacy in patients with behavioral symptoms of dementia (does not apply to treatment of pseudobulbar affect) May increase risk of falls and concerns with clinically significant drug interactions | |
Adapted from The American Geriatrics Society 2019 Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel: American Geriatrics Society updated Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 67(4):674-694, 2019. doi:10.1111/jgs.15767 | |