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

When you're over 65, your body processes drugs differently. That’s why the Beers Criteria, a regularly updated list of medications that may be unsafe for older adults. Also known as Beers List, it's used by doctors, pharmacists, and caregivers to reduce harm from drugs that seem harmless but can cause falls, confusion, kidney damage, or even death in seniors. It’s not about banning drugs—it’s about matching the right treatment to the right person at the right age.

The Beers Criteria isn’t just a list—it’s a warning system. It flags drugs like benzodiazepines (think Valium or Xanax), certain antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and even some NSAIDs that are too risky for older bodies. These drugs often show up in prescriptions because they’re cheap, familiar, or easy to prescribe. But studies show they’re linked to higher hospitalization rates in seniors. The polypharmacy problem makes it worse: when someone takes five or more meds, the chance of dangerous interactions jumps. That’s why the geriatric pharmacology experts behind the Beers Criteria focus on what to avoid, not just what to use. They don’t just say "don’t use this"—they tell you what’s safer instead, like switching from a sedating antihistamine to a non-drowsy one, or replacing an old-school painkiller with a lower-risk option.

You’ll find posts here that dig into specific risks—like how certain pain meds can cause kidney trouble in older adults, or why anticholinergic drugs can blur your thinking even if you don’t feel sleepy. Others show how to spot hidden dangers in common OTC meds, or how to talk to your doctor about cutting back without losing control of your health. There’s no fluff here. Just clear, practical info based on real clinical evidence. Whether you’re managing your own meds, helping a parent, or working in healthcare, this collection gives you the tools to ask better questions and make smarter choices. The goal isn’t to stop treatment—it’s to make sure every pill you take actually helps, and doesn’t hurt more than it heals.