Question

List any three drugs that are on the Beers list of agents to be avoided in geriatric patients and explain why each drug is on the list. Provide a rationale for the inclusion of each drug, and discuss the potential risks associated with their use in the elderly population.

Answer 1

The Beers list includes drugs such as first-generation antihistamines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, and alpha-1 blockers, which should be avoided in elderly patients due to heightened risks of side effects like confusion, cognitive impairment, and orthostatic hypotension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Beers list is a guideline for healthcare professionals to help them determine potentially inappropriate medications for geriatric patients. Three specific drugs on the Beers list that should be avoided in the elderly and the rationale for their exclusion include:

• First-generation antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) are listed due to their anticholinergic effects, which can lead to confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic symptoms or toxicities in the elderly.
• Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem) are included as they can increase the risk of cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, and fractures in older adults.
• Alpha-1 blockers (e.g., doxazosin) are on the list because they can cause orthostatic hypotension, which can result in falls and fractures in older patients.

These drugs are avoided due to the increased risk of side effects and adverse reactions in the geriatric population, which can be exacerbated by age-related changes in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Additionally, they can lead to negative interactions with other medications and underlying conditions common in the elderly.