174 – “Beers Criteria” Explained: Medications Older Adults Should Avoid

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks about one of the most important medication safety tools in geriatrics: the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® — often called the “Beers List.” It’s an evidence-based list of medications that should be avoided in older adults when possible, or used with extra caution.

She covers:

• Why the Beers List matters
• Why aging makes medications riskier
• What is the AGS Beers Criteria?
• Guided walkthrough: how use the Beers Criteria
• Common higher-risk medication groups Dr. K looks for
• Questions to ask your health providers

Related episode: 

• 088 – Interview: Avoiding Inappropriate Prescribing in Aging & What to Know About the Beers Criteria
• 090 – More on Avoiding Risky Medications & on Using the 2019 AGS Beers Criteria

Related Resources:

• BHWA article: Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use with Caution: The American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria
• Journal article: American Geriatrics Society 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults