When you’re over 65, your body handles drugs differently. That’s why the Beers Criteria, a widely used list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults. Also known as the AGS Beers Criteria, it’s updated every few years by experts at the American Geriatrics Society to help doctors and patients avoid drugs that do more harm than good. It’s not about avoiding all meds—it’s about cutting out the ones that can cause falls, confusion, kidney damage, or even death in older bodies.
The Beers Criteria doesn’t just list bad drugs—it shows you why they’re risky. Take benzodiazepines like diazepam or lorazepam. They’re often prescribed for anxiety or sleep, but in older adults, they double the risk of falls and hip fractures. Or consider anticholinergics like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It’s in so many OTC sleep aids and allergy pills, but it clouds thinking, slows digestion, and can trigger delirium. Then there’s nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. They’re fine for a young person with a headache, but for someone with high blood pressure or kidney issues, they can cause bleeding, heart failure, or sudden kidney shutdown. These aren’t hypothetical risks. Studies show nearly 1 in 3 older adults in the U.S. are still prescribed at least one Beers Criteria drug.
What makes the Beers Criteria so powerful is how it connects to real-life problems. If you’re taking five or more medications—something called polypharmacy—you’re far more likely to run into a dangerous interaction. That’s why the criteria also flags combinations, like mixing an NSAID with blood thinners or antihypertensives. It’s not just about single drugs. It’s about how they stack up. And it’s not just for doctors. If you’re caring for a parent or grandparent, this list gives you a clear checklist to ask questions about. Are they on something listed here? Is there a safer alternative? Could they stop one altogether?
There’s no magic number of pills that’s safe for everyone. But the Beers Criteria gives you a starting point to push back when something doesn’t feel right. It’s not about rejecting medicine—it’s about using it smarter. Below, you’ll find real cases where older adults faced side effects from these drugs, how to spot the warning signs, and what alternatives actually work without the risks.
Aging changes how your body handles medications, increasing risks of side effects like dizziness, confusion, and falls. Learn why seniors need lower doses, which drugs to avoid, and how to reduce medication risks.
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