Are you concerned about the medications your parents are taking? Let's learn about the Beers Criteria.

Your mom, dad, grandma, aunt... How many medications do these people take a day? Maybe more than one, maybe even 5 or 6, right? We think this is normal because we get sick one after another as we get older. But have you ever thought that not all medications given to an elderly person are suitable for them? In fact, the side effects of some medications can be much greater than the benefits of the medication. For this reason, doctors have to pay special attention to this.

Simply put, what is the Beers Criteria?

Okay, let's keep this simple. The Beers Criteria isn't about a particular brand of beer. It's a list of specific guidelines introduced by the American Geriatrics Society. This list includes which medications should be given with extra caution or may be harmful to people over the age of 65 .

Think about it this way. The amount of medicine given to a small child is different from the amount given to an adult, right? Similarly, a young person's body does not respond to a medicine the way an older person's body does. Their organs, such as their kidneys and liver, may have less function. Therefore, they may not be able to tolerate certain medicines, or they may have unexpected side effects.

Research has found that more than 90% of people over the age of 65 take at least one medication daily. More than 66% take more than three medications per month. So when you take so many medications, the chances of one drug interacting with another are high. That's why doctors use this list called the Beers Criteria. It's also called the Beers List .

What are the 5 main points in the Beers Criteria?

This guide is divided into five main sections, which will help doctors understand what to consider before prescribing a medication.

• Medications that should be avoided in people over 65 years of age (except those receiving specialized care in a hospital): These are medications that may cause more harm than benefit when given to the elderly.
• Medications that should be avoided by people with certain medical conditions: For example, for someone with a heart condition, there are certain medications that can worsen that condition. Such medications are included under this category.
• Drugs that cause adverse reactions (Drug Interactions) when taken with other medications: Sometimes a drug that is safe when taken alone can be dangerous when taken with another drug. This section focuses on that.
• Medications that should be avoided because they have more side effects than benefits: Although some medications may provide some relief from the illness, the side effects (e.g. frequent falls, confusion) can be very severe.
• Medications that affect kidney function and should be limited in dose or eliminated : Kidney function naturally decreases with age. Therefore, some medications are eliminated from the body more slowly. This list provides advice on reducing the dose of such medications or avoiding them altogether.

What types of medications are on this list? (Some examples)

There are nearly 100 types of medications on this list. Since it would be difficult to talk about them all, let's look at some of the most common examples and why they may be harmful to the elderly. When you see this, you will understand the importance of this even more.

Don't be alarmed by this list! This does not mean that these medications should never be given to the elderly. In some essential cases, when there is no other option, your doctor may prescribe this medication. But he will do so after carefully studying your condition and under very close observation.

Why do the effects of medications change as we age?

This is also an important thing to know. Aging means that every system in our body undergoes small changes. Because of these changes, the way the medications we take work in the body also changes.

• It takes longer for drugs to leave the body: As we age, the liver and kidneys function a little slower. These two organs are responsible for breaking down drugs that enter our bodies and removing them as waste products. When this process is slower, the drugs stay in the body longer. That is why older people are given lower doses of some drugs.
• A medicine given for one condition can affect another: Imagine that a person has both high blood pressure and joint pain. Some painkillers (NSAIDs) given for joint pain can increase blood pressure even more. Therefore, the doctor chooses a medicine after considering all these factors.
• Lifestyle changes: Things like your activity level, what you eat, and even your body fat percentage can affect how well your medication works. So when you talk to your doctor, it's important to tell them about any supplements you take, traditional medicines, and your diet.

How do doctors use this?

Before a doctor prescribes a medication for someone over the age of 65, he or she will carefully review your complete medical history, current illnesses, and all medications you are currently taking (including vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines).

Then, he checks to see if the new drug he's going to give you is on the Beers Criteria list. If it is on the list, he considers what the risks of giving it to you might be, and whether there is a safer alternative.

Often, doctors have alternative medications that they can use instead of the ones on this list. However, as I mentioned before, sometimes it may be necessary to give that medication. In such cases, your doctor will check you regularly and watch you closely for side effects.

So, if you have any questions or concerns about the medication your mom, dad, grandma, or aunt is taking, don't be afraid to talk to their doctor directly about it. Your concern is very important for their safety.