Updating the Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults

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Abstract
TOXIC EFFECTS of medications and drug-related problems can have profound medical and safety consequences for older adults and economically effect the health care system. Thirty percent of hospital admissions in elderly patients may be linked to drug-related problems or drug toxic effects.1 Adverse drug events (ADEs) have been linked to preventable problems in elderly patients such as depression, constipation, falls, immobility, confusion, and hip fractures.1,2 A 1997 study of ADEs found that 35% of ambulatory older adults experienced an ADE and 29% required health care services (physician, emergency department, or hospitalization) for the ADE.1 Some two thirds of nursing facility residents have ADEs over a 4-year period.3Of these ADEs, 1 in 7 results in hospitalization.4

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