The American Geriatrics Society just updated the Beers criteria, the list of medications that may be inappropriate for use in older adults. Many of the originally listed drugs remain on the list but significant updates occurred, along with a weighting of the evidence to support the listing of the medications. Some highlights are:
- The mention of STOPP/START criteria as an additional validated ADE screening tool recommended to be used in conjunction with the Beers Criteria in an overlapping manner.
- Antiarrhythmics are listed since the evidence is strong that rate control in those with cardiac arrhythmias in older adults is superior to rhythm control, and these drugs are laden with adverse effect potential.
- Spironolactone is contraindicated in those with heart failure and/or poor renal function due to high risk for hyperkalemia.
- NSAIDs are listed due to their potential for gastrointestinal bleeding.
Here’s a link to the AGS released publication on the new Beer’s criteria 2012.
http://www.americangeriatrics.org/files/documents/beers/2012BeersCriteria_JAGS.pdf
