Drugs to Avoid or use with Caution in Older Adults: Updated list of Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Adults

Updated 2012 AGS Beers criteria for potentially inappropriate medications for older adults now includes 53 medications or medication classes divided into three groups: (1) avoid for ALL, (2) avoid for those with certain diseases/conditions, and use with caution. The usual suspect anticholinergics are still there, but with new or stronger wording against NSAIDs, antihistamines, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. VERY useful for the primary care clinician who would like to reduce adverse events due to medications.


Updated 2012 AGS Beers Criteria

A geri-who?

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A geriatrician is an internist or family physician who specializes in the care of the older person. 

Who needs a geriatrician? 

The older person does. Kids see a pediatrician. People with heart problems see a cardiologist. The older person should see a geriatrician.

But I (or my lolo or my lola) already see/s a cardiologist/diabetologist/etc?
Yes. The geriatrician can (and will) still help in the overall care of the older person.

What about if I (my lola/lola) am/is well?
The geriatrician can still help in two ways. First, in preventing disease or disability by suggesting personalized yet simple ways to do so. Second, by identifying "quiet" conditions that may lead to progressive disability or disease if not treated early.

First Post

Hello! I am an internist-geriatrician-rheumatologist. This is my first attempt at doing a health blog on common conditions in the older person or persons with arthritis, rheumatism and autoimmune disease.