II. Epidemiology
- As many as 90% of acute adverse druge events are due to medications not on STOPP or Beers List
- Oral Anticoagulants (esp. Warfarin)
- Antiplatelet medications
- Diabetic medications (esp. Insulin)
- Medications with narrow therapeutic window (esp. Digoxin)
III. Background: Sources of information
- Beers' Criteria
- Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP)
IV. Pathophysiology: Factors in older adults that increase Drug Reaction risk
- Hepatic Blood Flow reduced 40% in older adults
- Reduced first pass clearance
- Renal Blood Flow reduced 50% by age 80 years
- Creatinine Clearance decreases by 6-10% per decade after age 40 years old
- Chronic Kidney Disease affects 50% of older adults
- Check Renal Function before starting agents and periodically (dose adjustment may be needed)
- Congestive Heart Failure affects 40% by age 80 years
- Drug distribution altered in older adults
- Serum Proteins reduced resulting in decreased drug Protein binding
- Decreased ratio of Lean Body Weight to body fat
- Water soluble drugs have decreased volume of distribution
- Water soluble drugs (e.g. Digoxin, Alcohol) have increased initial blood concentrations
- Fat soluble drugs (e.g. Benzodiazepines, Phenytoin) have prolonged Half-Life and effects
- Medication absorption altered in older adults
- Increased gastric pH
- Decreased intestinal motility
- Decreased splanchnic Blood Flow
V. Adverse Effects: Predictors of adverse drug effects in elderly
- Age 85 years or older
- Multiple chronic medical conditions (6 or more)
- Creatinine Clearance <50 ml/min
- Low Body Mass Index
-
Polypharmacy
- Medications number nine or more
- More than 12 medication doses daily
- References
VI. Management: Methods to improve Medication Compliance
- Reduce number of daily doses (once daily is best)
- Time doses to meal times
- Establish partnerships to ensure compliance
- Patient
- Family (educate on indications and adverse effects)
- Pharmacists
- Home health aids
- Use devices that aid taking of medication
- Pill boxes and pill calendars
- Label containers with large type
- Pill containers should open easily
- Keep accurate medication list
- Ensure easy access to medications
- Affordability
- Medication delivery
- Evaluate for patient factors affecting compliance
VII. Medications: To use lower dosages (decreased clearance)
- Decreased Renal Clearance in the elderly
- Aminoglycosides
- Vancomycin
- Fluoroquinolones
- Penicillins
- Imipenem
- Digoxin (limit dose to 0.125 mg/day, consider qod)
- ACE Inhibitors
- Beta Blockers (Atenolol, Nadolol)
- Sotalol
- Glyburide (avoid in general)
- Ranitidine, Cimetidine, Famotidine
- Lithium
- Decreased Hepatic Clearance in the elderly
- Benzodiazepines (avoid in general - see below)
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Lidocaine
- Phenytoin
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Theophylline
- Imipramine or Desipramine, Trazodone
- Isoniazid
- Procainamide
VIII. Medications: Avoid in age >65 - Short List
- Beer's List most common items
- Sedating Antihistamines (e.g. Diphenhydramine)
- Long acting Benzodiazepines (e.g. Diazepam)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (e.g. Amitriptyline)
- Antispasmodics (e.g. Oxybutynin, Dicyclomine)
- Fick (2003) Arch Intern Med 163:2716 [PubMed]
- STOPP List most common items (in addition to those on short Beer's List)
IX. Medications: Neuropsychiatric Agents to avoid in age >65
-
General
- Avoid combining 3 or more neuropsychiatric agents
-
Anticholinergic Agents
- See Anticholinergic Medication
- See First Generation Antihistamines, antispasmodics, Tricyclic Antidepressants and antiparkinson agents below
-
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
- Associated with increased Fall Risk more than TCA agents
- Prozac is no longer contraindicated in the elderly despite long Half-Life (as safe as other SSRIs)
- Avoid SSRIs if non-iatrogenic Hyponatremia with Serum Sodium <130 mmol/L in last 2 months (STOPP)
-
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)
- Risk of falls, Fracture
-
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA)
- Avoid TCA Agents in general due to potent Anticholinergic and sedating effects
- Most Anticholinergic and sedating agents: Amitriptyline, Doxepin, Imipramine
- Nortriptyline may be slightly less Anticholinergic
- Consider less sedating alternatives for pain management: Neurontin, Lyrica
- Newer Antidepressants are preferred (e.g. SSRI, SNRI)
- Indications to avoid TCA agents (STOPP)
- Dementia due to Cognitive Impairment
- Glaucoma due to exacerbation risk
- Cardiac conduction abnormalities due to pro-arrhythmic effect
- Constipation or in combination with Opioids or Calcium Channel Blockers due to exacerbation risk
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia due to urinary obstruction risk
- Avoid TCA Agents in general due to potent Anticholinergic and sedating effects
- First-Generation Sedating Antihistamines
- Examples: Brompheniramine, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Hydroxyzine (Atarax), Chlorpheniramine, Cyproheptadine
- Includes combination products (e.g Tylenol PM)
- Avoid use longer than one week (STOPP)
- Use newer Non-Sedating Antihistamines (e.g. Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec) in place of Sedating Antihistamines
- Avoid Antihistamines for Insomnia management
- Avoid if at least one fall in the last 3 months (STOPP)
- Examples: Brompheniramine, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Hydroxyzine (Atarax), Chlorpheniramine, Cyproheptadine
-
Barbiturates (e.g. Butalbital such as Fiorinal, Nembutal, Secobarbital or Seconal, Pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
- High risk of dependence and tolerance
-
Benzodiazepines (Librium or Chlordiazepoxide, Valium or Diazepam, Ativan or Lorazepam, Xanax or Alprazolam)
- Increased risk of physical performance decline, confusion, sedation, falls
- Older adults are more sensitive to the effects of Benzodiazepines
- Avoid longer acting agents (e.g. Clonazepam) or those with long acting metabolites (e.g. Diazepam)
- Older adults have decreased metabolism of longer-acting Benzodiazepines
- Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) may be indicated in specific cases
- Examples: Seizure Disorders, Benzodiazepine or Alcohol Withdrawal
- Use shorter acting agents if Benzodiazepine use is not avoidable (e.g. Ativan, Restoril)
- Use Benzodiazepines only with caution
- Avoid Benzodiazepine analogs used in Insomnia (e.g. Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta)
- Avoid these agents for any duration (previously limited to 3 months)
- Increased risk of Delirium, falls, Fractures, MVAs resulting in increased ED visits, hospitalizations
- Minimal improvement in Sleep Latency and sleep duration
- See Insomnia for alternative agents
- References
- Increased risk of physical performance decline, confusion, sedation, falls
-
Neuroleptics (first and second generation Antipsychotics)
- Avoid Haloperidol (Haldol) due to two fold increase in mortality in older Nursing Home residents
- Consider Quetiapine (Seroquel) as alternative
- Huybrechts (2012) BMJ 344:e977 [PubMed]
- Avoid longterm use >1 month
- Avoid Antipsychotics in Parkinsonism (STOPP)
- If used, Primavanserin, Quetiapine and Clozapine are preferred over other Antipsychotics
- Avoid Anticholinergic Medications to treat Extrapyramidal Side Effects of Antipsychotic agents (STOPP)
- Avoid if at least one fall in the last 3 months (STOPP)
- Avoid Antipsychotics as first-line agent for behavioral problems in Dementia and acute Delirium
- See Agitation in Dementia
- Increased risk of CVA and in Dementia, greater cognitive decline and mortality risk
- Limit Antipsychotics to cases of failed non-pharmacologic measures and careful evaluation
- Avoid Haloperidol (Haldol) due to two fold increase in mortality in older Nursing Home residents
-
Meprobamate
- Highly addictive and sedating
- Stimulants
-
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
- Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
- Carisoprodolor (Soma)
- Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
- Poorly tolerated in elderly (Anticholinergic, sedating) with significant Fall Risk
- Thioridazine (Mellaril)
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors (e.g. Aricept) in patients with Syncope
- Antiparkinsonism agents
- Scopolamine
X. Medications: Cardiovascular Agents to avoid in age >65
-
Amiodarone
- Risk of QT Prolongation and Torsade de Pointes
- Not a first line agent in Atrial Fibrillation, unless rhythm control and comorbid LVH or CHF
-
Disopyramide (Norpace)
- Highly Anticholinergic and risk of Congestive Heart Failure
-
Dronedarone
- Avoid in permanent Atrial Fibrillation or severe CHF (or recent decompensation)
-
Alpha Adrenergic Central Agonist (e.g. Methyldopa, Reserpine >0.1 mg/day, Guanabenz, Guanfacine, Clonidine)
- High risk of CNS effects, and may cause Orthostatic Hypotension and Bradycardia
- Clonidine may be used, but avoid as a first-line agent
-
Alpha Adrenergic Antagonist (e.g. Prazosin, Doxazosin, Terazosin)
- High risk of Orthostatic Hypotension
- Other Antihypertensive agents are preferred for better efficacy
-
Digoxin >125 mcg daily
- Avoid longterm use at >125 mcg if GFR <50 ml/min (STOPP)
- Limit use to Congestive Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation
- Not a first-line agent in either CHF or Atrial Fibrillation
-
Loop Diuretic
- Avoid use for Lower Extremity Edema only (e.g. no history of Heart Failure, STOPP)
- Avoid use as first-line monotherapy for Hypertension (STOPP)
-
Thiazide Diuretic
- Avoid use in Gouty Arthritis (STOPP)
-
Beta Blockers
- Avoid Non-selective Beta Blockers such as Propranolol in COPD (STOPP)
- Avoid Beta Blocker in combination with Verapamil due to AV Nodal block risk (STOPP)
- Avoid in Diabetes Mellitus with more than 1 hypoglycemic episode monthly (STOPP)
- Risk of masking hypoglycemic symptoms
-
Calcium Channel Blockers
- Avoid Diltiazem or Verapamil in NYHA Class III or Class IV Heart Failure due to exacerbation risk (STOPP)
- Avoid short acting Nifedipine (Hypotension, Myocardial Ischemia risk)
- Vasodilators
- Avoid in persistent Postural Hypotension
- SBP drop on standing >20 mmHg if at least one fall in the last 3 months (STOPP)
- Avoid in persistent Postural Hypotension
XI. Medications: Endocrine Agents to avoid in age >65
-
Chlorpropamide (Diabinese)
- Prolonged half life in elderly with risk of prolonged Hypoglycemia (STOPP)
- May also cause SIADH
-
Sulfonylureas
- Avoid Sulfonylureas overall in older patients
- Risk of Hypoglycemia, cardiovascular events and all cause mortality
- Greatest risk is with Glyburide and Glimepiride (Sulfonylureas)
- Risk of severe, prolonged Hypoglycemia (esp. if combined with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Alcohol, Insulin)
- Lowest risk is with Glipizide
- Lower risk of Hypoglycemia and also has a shorter duration
-
Pioglitazone (Actos)
- Avoid in Heart Failure
- Sliding Scale Insulin
- Risk of Hypoglycemia when Insulin Sliding Scale is used as only Insulin regimen
- Does not apply to scheduled bolus Insulin Dosing per Carbohydrate with correction Insulin
- Typically additional units added for current Hyperglycemia (e.g. 1 unit/50 over 150)
-
SGLT2 Inhibitors
- Exercise caution due to adverse effects (e.g. Urinary Tract Infection, Euglycemic DKA)
- Benefits (e.g. renal protection, CHF) often outweigh risks
- Desiccated Thyroid (Armour Thyroid)
- Safer Thyroid Replacement alternatives exist (without the same Cardiovascular Risks)
- Methyltestosterone or Testosterone
- Avoid unless significant symptomatic, confirmed Hypogonadism
- May increase Cardiovascular Risk
- Provokes BPH and contraindicated in Prostate Cancer
- Megestrol
- Low efficacy for stimulation of appetite
- Risk of thrombosis
-
Estrogens
- Avoid Estrogen if history of VTE or Breast Cancer (STOPP)
- Avoid Unopposed Estrogen without Progesterone with intact Uterus (STOPP)
- Vaginal Estrogens are effective for localized symptoms
- Offer instead of systemic Estrogens
- Avoid systemic Estrogens (transdermal, oral) in older patients
- If systemic Estrogens are used, limit to lowest effective dose
-
Growth Hormone
- Only indicated for replacement after Pituitary Gland removal
- Avoid use for effects on body composition (minimal efficacy and adverse effects)
XII. Medications: Analgesic Agents to avoid in age >65
-
Opioids
- Maximize non-medication pain therapy and non-Opioids
- Opioids have higher adverse effects in elderly (e.g. Delirium)
- However, untreated pain is also associated with adverse effects (e.g. Delirium)
- Start low dose (less than the standard Morphine Equivalent dose of 0.1 mg/kg)
- Avoid longterm Opioids if at least one fall in the last 3 months (STOPP)
- Avoid longterm high potency Opioids (e.g. Morphine, Fentanyl)
- Do not use as first-line management of mild to moderate pain (STOPP)
- Avoid regular Opioids for more than 2 weeks if Chronic Constipation without bowel regimen (STOPP)
- Use prophylactic bowel regimen
- See Constipation Prophylaxis in Chronic Opioid Use
- Avoid longterm Opioids in Dementia patients
- Exception: Palliative Care or moderate-severe Chronic Pain (STOPP)
- Avoid in combination with Benzodiazepines, Gabapentin, Pregabalin (sedation and Overdose risk)
- Avoid Tramadol (Hyponatremia risk due to SIADH)
- Avoid Meperidine (Demerol) completely
- Avoid Propoxyphene (Darvon) completely
- Avoid Pentazocine (Talwin)
- CNS Adverse effects (confusion, Hallucinations) more than other Opioid Analgesics
-
Corticosteroids
- Avoid use longer than 3 months as monotherapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis, gout or Osteoarthritis (STOPP)
-
NSAIDs
- NSAIDS risk Upper GI Bleed at 1% with use at 3-6 months, and 2-4% with use at 12 months
- Concurrent PPI or Misoprostol reduces GI Bleeding risk, but does not eliminate it
- Limit to low dose, short duration, short Half-Life
- Avoid use longer than 3 months for mild osteoarthritic pain (STOPP)
- Avoid prolonged use for gout prevention in place of Allopurinol when not contraindicated (STOPP)
- Use alternative management (e.g. Acetaminophen, Contrast Bath)
- If an NSAID is used, Naproxen is preferred over Ibuprofen or Ketorolac
- NSAIDs to avoid completely
- Avoid use completely in high risk patients
- Over age 75 years
- GFR <50 ml/min (STOPP)
- Concurrent Corticosteroid use
- Concurrent Anticoagulant use such as Warfarin or DOAC such as Xarelto or Pradaxa (STOPP)
- Concurrent antiplatelet agent (e.g. Clopidogrel or Plavix)
- History of PUD or GI Bleeding and no GI prophylaxis with H2 Blocker, PPI, or Misoprostol (STOPP)
- Moderate to Severe Hypertension with BP >160/100 mmHg due to exacerbation risk (STOPP)
- Congestive Heart Failure history due to exacerbation risk (STOPP)
- NSAIDS risk Upper GI Bleed at 1% with use at 3-6 months, and 2-4% with use at 12 months
XIII. Medications: Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Agents to avoid in age >65
-
Antiemetics
- Avoid Phenergan and Tigan
- Avoid Metoclopramide (Reglan)
- Risk of Extrapyramidal Side Effects (e.g. Tardive Dyskinesia), esp. in frail elderly
- May be continued in Gastroparesis (but avoid use longer than 12 weeks)
- Avoid Prochlorperazine (Compazine) in Parkinsonism due to exacerbation risk (STOPP)
- Avoid Pheothiazines (e.g. Compazine) in Epilepsy due to exacerbation risk (STOPP)
- Gastrointestinal antispasmodics (e.g. Donnatal, Bentyl or Dicyclomine, Levsin or Hyoscyamine, Clidinium)
- Avoid Anticholinergic antispasmodic drugs in Chronic Constipation (STOPP)
- Antidiarrheal agents (Lomotil, Imodium, Codeine)
- Avoid antidiarrheals in Diarrhea of unknown cause
- Risk of Toxic Megacolon and exacerbation of overflow Diarrhea (STOPP)
- Avoid antidiarrheals in Dysentery (bloody Diarrhea, fever, toxicity) due to risk of exacerbation (STOPP)
- Avoid antidiarrheals in Diarrhea of unknown cause
-
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs e.g. Omeprazole)
- Avoid >8 weeks at high dose Peptic Ulcer Disease management doses (STOPP)
- Consider H2 Receptor Antagonists (e.g. Ranitidine) instead
- Stop or if continuation indicated (e.g. severe GERD, Barrett's Esophagus), decrease to standard dosing
- PPIs increase the risk of Clostridium difficile, Fractures and Pneumonia
-
Laxatives
- Avoid Stimulant Laxatives
- Worsen bowel function in elderly
- Mineral Oil
- Avoid oral Mineral Oil due to aspiration risk
- Avoid Stimulant Laxatives
-
Urinary Antispasmodics (e.g. Ditropan)
- Typically marginal benefit does not outweigh significant Anticholinergic effects
- Look for other causes of Urinary Incontinence (e.g. Cholinesterase Inhibitors such as Aricept)
- Avoid use if contraindicating conditions (STOPP)
- Dementia
- Chronic Glaucoma
- Chronic Constipation
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) with obstruction
- Manage with non-medication measures
- Limit Caffeine
- Limit fluids before bedtime
- Consider Bladder TrainingExercises
- Alpha-Blockers
- Avoid alpha-blockers with one or more episodes of daily Incontinence due to exacerbation risk (STOPP)
- Indwelling Urinary Catheter present >2 months due to lack of indication (STOPP)
-
Desmopressin
- Avoid for Nocturia
- Risk of Hyponatremia
XIV. Medications: Respiratory Agents to avoid in age >65
- Inhaled Anticholinergics (Atrovent, Spiriva)
- Avoid in men with severe BPH
- Avoid nebulized Ipratropium in Glaucoma due to exacerbation risk (STOPP)
-
Theophylline
- Avoid as monotherapy for COPD due to safer alternatives with better efficacy (STOPP)
-
Systemic Corticosteroids
- Avoid in place of Inhaled Corticosteroids as maintenance therapy in moderate to severe COPD (STOPP)
XV. Medications: Hematologic Agents to avoid in age >65
- Avoid antiplatelet agents such as Aspirin, Dipyridamole or Clopidogrel in concurrent Bleeding Disorder (STOPP)
-
Aspirin
- Avoid for primary prevention in over age 80 years old (and with caution over age 70 yo)
- Avoid without cardiovascular indication such as CAD, PAD, CVA (STOPP)
- Avoid as treatment for undifferentiated Dizziness
- Avoid dose >150 mg daily due to increased bleeding risk without added efficacy (STOPP)
- Avoid without the use of GI Protection (e.g. H2 Blocker or Proton Pump Inhibitor, STOPP)
- Concurrent Warfain use
- History of Peptic Ulcer Disease in the last year
-
Warfarin
- Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) are preferred unless Warfarin is specifically indicated (e.g. Mechanical Heart Valve)
- Avoid >6 months for first uncomplicated DVT or >12 months for first uncomplicated PE (STOPP)
- Multiple significant Drug Interactions (e.g. Amiodarone, Anticholinergics)
-
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
- If DOAC is needed, Apixaban (Eliquis) may be preferred age >75 due to Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding risk
-
Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- Avoid in severe Chronic Kidney Disease
- If DOAC is needed, Apixaban (Eliquis) may be preferred age >75 due to Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding risk
-
Ticagrelor (Brilinta) and Prasugrel (Effient)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix) is preferred when Platelet ADP Receptor Antagonist is indicated
- Avoid in over age 75 years old due to higher bleeding risk than with Clopidogrel
-
Ticlopidine
- Use safer alternatives
-
Dipyridamole (short-acting agent)
- Avoid as monotherapy for cardiovascular secondary prevention (STOPP)
- Lack of efficacy and risk of Orthostatic Hypotension
- Does not apply to intravenous use during Pharmacologic Stress Testing
- Does not apply to long acting combination product with Aspirin (Aggrenox) if specific indications
- Avoid as monotherapy for cardiovascular secondary prevention (STOPP)
XVI. Medications: Antibiotics to avoid in age > 65
-
Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid)
- May worsen Renal Insufficiency and risk interstitial fibrosis
- Avoid if Creatinine Clearance <30 ml/min (previously not recommended if <60 ml/min)
- Avoid for longterm UTI prophylaxis in the elderly
- Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole
- Hyperkalemia risk when combined with ACE Inhibitor (or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker) or with reduced Renal Function
XVII. References
- (2023) Presc Lett 30(8): 44
- (2017) Presc Lett 24(8): 48
- (2015) Presc Lett 22(12): 67-8
- (2012) Presc Lett 19(6): 35
- (2011) Presc Lett 18(12): 69
- Pham (2018) Crit Dec Emerg Med 32(5):19-28
- (2023) J Am Geriatr Soc 71(7): 2052-81 [PubMed]
- Curtis (2004) Arch Intern Med 164:1621-5 [PubMed]
- Fick (2003) Arch Intern Med 163:2719-20 [PubMed]
- Fick (2019) J Am Geriatr Soc 67(4):674-94 [PubMed]
- Gallagher (2008) Age Ageing 37:673-9 [PubMed]
- Mcleod (1997) CMAJ 156:385-91 [PubMed]
- Pretorius (2013) Am Fam Physician 87(5): 331-6 [PubMed]
- Williams (2002) Am Fam Physician 66(10):1917-24 [PubMed]