Master Beers Criteria with Picmonic for Medicine

Elderly patients (>65 years old) have a higher risk of developing unexpected, preventable side effects, such as falls, delirium, hip fractures, and urticaria. The risk increases with the use of more than five medications.

The Beers criteria helps clinicians to avoid inappropriate prescriptions that can be harmful to geriatric patients. The goal is to prescribe safely.

Anticholinergics that may need dose adjustment in the elderly include first-generation antihistamines, antiparkinsonian agents, and antispasmodics. Drug clearance is reduced with age. Side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, and confusion.

Benzodiazepines can increase the risk of falls in elderly patients. Flurazepam, long-acting benzodiazepines, and excessive daily doses of short-acting benzodiazepines can increase this risk.

PPIs are widely used. However, they can cause side effects in elderly patients, especially if used long-term. Side effects may include Clostridium difficile infection, osteoporotic-related fractures, dementia, vitamin B12 deficiency, community-acquired pneumonia, and kidney disease.

The elderly should avoid first-generation antihistamines due to inadequate drug clearance. Side effects may include constipation, confusion, and dry mouth.

Tricyclic antidepressants can be harmful in elderly patients due to side effects such as sedation and orthostatic hypotension. SSRIs can be used as an antidepressant in the elderly with caution.

NSAIDs are included due to the risk of GI bleeding. They should also be avoided in symptomatic heart failure patients and high-risk groups such as those aged >75 years old or patients taking corticosteroids, anticoagulants, or antiplatelet drugs. Meloxicam is known to have more CNS side effects compared with other NSAIDs.

Certain antispasmodics should be avoided in the elderly due to their anticholinergic effects. However, they still can be administered for short-term palliative care.

The reduction of CYP3A4's function to clear opioids from the body can be seen in elderly patients. Because of this, the use of opioids should be cautioned. Opioids should not be used alongside benzodiazepines due to their risk of overdose. Gabapentin/pregabalin should also be avoided with opioids due to its sedation-related side effects.

Alpha-blockers are used for the treatment of hypertension. Orthostatic hypotension may occur in the elderly due to these medications. Examples of these drugs include Doxazosin, Prazosin, and Terazosin.

Elderly patients should avoid antiparkinson agents such as Benztropine and Trihexyphenidyl. These agents may be used in patients with Parkinson's, but not for the prevention of extrapyramidal symptoms in patients taking antipsychotics.