Beers - 10 Meds Older Adults Should Avoid

Question 0

This drug can be toxic in older adults and people whose kidneys do not work well. Which drug am I?

Answer 0

Digoxin (Lanoxin) in doses greater than 0.125. Treat HF and irregular heartbeats.

Question 1

Which drugs can increase the risk of digestion, ulcers, and bleeding in your stomach or colon? They can also increase BP, affect kidneys, and make heart failure worse.

Answer 1

NSAIDS.
Avoid Long-acting NSAIDS like indomethacin, piroxicam.
Short acting are better ( ibuprofen, salsalate).

Question 2

These drugs can cause severe low blood sugar? Which drug am I?

Answer 2

Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase) and chlorpropamide (Diabinese)

Question 3

I can leave you feeling groggy and confused, increase your risk of falls, and cause constipation, dry mouth, and problems urinating. Which drug am I?

Answer 3

Muscle Relaxants. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), methocarbamol (robaxin), and carisoprodol (Soma), and similar meds.

Question 4

I can increase your risk of falls and also cause confusion. It takes the body a long time to get rid of me. You could feel groggy and sleepy for a long time. Which drug am I?

Answer 4

Anxiety/insomnia medication.
Benzos: diazepam (Valium) alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
Sleeping pills: Zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien)

Question 5

I can cause confusion, constipation, problems urinating, blurry vision, and low BP. Men with large prostate should be particularly cautious. What drug am I?

Answer 5

Anticholnergic.
Antidepressants: amitriptyline (elavil), imipramine (tofranil).
Anti-parkinson drug, trihexyphenidal (Artane).
Irritable bowel syndrome drug, Dicyclomine (Bentyl)

Question 6

I can increase the risk of seizures and cause confusion. What drug am I?

Answer 6

Pain reliever meperidine (Demerol)

Question 7

Although these meds are sold without Rx, they are not risk free. They can cause confusion, blurred vision, constipation, problems urinating, and dry mouth. Which drugs am I?

Answer 7

OTCs. Avoid antihistamines diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, esp in men with enlarged prostate.
Avoid OTC sleep meds like Tylenol PM that contain diphenhydramine.

Question 8

I can increase the risk of stroke or even death. I can also cause tremors and other side effects as well as increase your risk of falls. What drug am I?

Answer 8

Antipsychotics like haloperidol (haldol), risperidone (risperdal), or quetiapine (seroquel).

Question 9

I can increase your risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and even dementia. What drug am I?

Answer 9

Estrogen pills and patches. Prescribed for hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms.