Beers Criteria: What It Is and Why It Matters for Older Adults' Medications

When you’re over 65, your body processes medicine differently. That’s where the Beers Criteria, a regularly updated list of medications that may be unsafe for older adults due to higher risks of side effects, drug interactions, or poor effectiveness. Also known as the AGS Beers Criteria, it’s used by doctors, pharmacists, and caregivers to cut down on harmful prescriptions. This isn’t just a guideline—it’s a practical tool backed by decades of research from the American Geriatrics Society. Many seniors take five or more pills a day, and some of those drugs can actually make problems worse—like confusion, falls, kidney damage, or heart issues.

The Beers Criteria, a regularly updated list of medications that may be unsafe for older adults due to higher risks of side effects, drug interactions, or poor effectiveness. Also known as the AGS Beers Criteria, it’s used by doctors, pharmacists, and caregivers to cut down on harmful prescriptions doesn’t just list bad drugs—it explains why they’re risky. For example, diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl and many sleep aids) can cause extreme drowsiness, memory loss, and even delirium in older people. Same with long-acting benzodiazepines like diazepam—these increase fall risk by nearly 50%. Even common painkillers like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can lead to kidney failure or stomach bleeding in seniors, especially if they’re already on blood pressure or heart meds. The criteria also flags drugs that don’t work well for older adults, like certain anticholinergics used for overactive bladder or depression, which can silently damage cognition over time.

It’s not about stopping all meds—it’s about making smarter choices. The Beers Criteria helps you and your provider ask: Is this drug still needed? Is there a safer alternative? Could we lower the dose? Many of the posts here, like the one on NSAIDs and heart failure or anticoagulants and bleeding risk, tie directly into this. They show how common prescriptions can turn dangerous when combined with age-related changes. You’ll also find guides on generic medications, drug interactions, and medication storage—all part of the bigger picture of safe, effective care for older adults. Whether you’re managing your own meds, helping a parent, or just learning what to watch for, the Beers Criteria gives you a clear starting point. Below, you’ll find real-world advice on spotting risky combinations, understanding side effects, and talking to your doctor without feeling overwhelmed.