Beers Criteria
Evidence-based guidelines identifying potentially inappropriate medications for older adults to reduce adverse drug events and polypharmacy risks.
Full Definition
The Beers Criteria, developed by geriatrician Mark Beers and regularly updated by the American Geriatrics Society, provide explicit criteria for identifying potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in adults aged 65 and older. These criteria categorize medications that should generally be avoided, used with caution, or avoided in specific clinical conditions due to increased risk of adverse effects in older adults. The guidelines address age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, increased susceptibility to certain drug classes, and drug-disease interactions. In geriatric psychiatry, the Beers Criteria are particularly relevant for psychotropic medications, including anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, and certain antidepressants. Healthcare providers use these criteria for medication reconciliation, deprescribing decisions, and quality improvement initiatives to optimize medication safety in elderly populations.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Beers Criteria'; named after Dr. Mark Beers.
In Context
- "The medication review identified three Beers Criteria violations, including long-term benzodiazepine use." — pharmacist consultation note
- "According to Beers Criteria, diphenhydramine should be avoided in patients over 65 due to anticholinergic effects." — medication safety protocol