Beers Criteria and Drug Prescribing Considerations Geriatrics Flashcards
Problems with polypharmacy may be increased if older adults take medication dosages that are ___ ___
Too high
Problems with polypharmacy may be increased if older adults take medications that are ____ prescribed
Incorrectly
Problems with polypharmacy may be increased if older adults take medications that interact with ____ types of medications
Other
Normal changes in aging:
____ absorption due to reduced secretion of gastric acid
Decreased
Normal changes in aging: Decreased liver function may cause what to happen to drugs?
Unchanged; more active drug
Normal changes in aging: _____ lean body mass
Decreased
Normal changes in aging:
____ body fat
Increased
Normal changes in aging:
____ total body water; what does this lead to?
Decreased; drug more concentrated in blood
Normal changes in aging:
______ plasma proteins; what does this lead to?
Decreased; more active drug
Normal changes in aging:
______ kidney function
Decreased
Normal doses of drug act at ____ levels in a geriatric patient
Overdose
With greater frequency of dosing -> ____ compliance
Less
Normal changes in aging:
How do Liver diseases have an effect on drug metabolism? What needs to be done?
Drug metabolism is reduced -> dosing must be reduced
Normal changes in aging:
How do Renal diseases have an effect on drug metabolism? What needs to be done?
- Results in renal impairment of drug excretion
- Dosing must be modified on the basis of renal clearance values of the drug
Medications are added to the beer’s criteria because:
- Pose high risk for adverse effects
- Limited effectiveness in older patients
- Alternatives are available
What types of medications are on the Beer’s Criteria
- Antipsychotics
- Barbiturates
- Benzos
Why are anypsychotics on the beer’s criteria?
Increased risk for cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and mortality in persons with dementia
Why are barbiturates on the beer’s criteria?
High rate of physical dependence; tolerance to sleep benefits; greater risk of overdose at low dosages
Why are benzos on the beer’s criteria?
Increased sensitivity
Decreased metabolism
Do not use benzos for patients over 65 for treatment of what three conditions?
Insomnia, agitation and delirium
