Inappropriate medication use among the aged. Review of the criteria
Dimitrow, M.; Leikola, S.; Kivelä, S.-L.; Airaksinen, M.; Mykkänen, S.; Puustinen, J.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 129(11): 1159-1166
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 23819202 Document Number: 667336
Inappropriate medication use among the aged review of the criteria Several criteria have been developed to assess inappropriate prescribing among individuals aged > or = 65 years. The criteria are classified as explicit (criterion-based) or implicit (judgment-based) and most of them have been validated using consensus methods. The criteria are based on risk-benefit definition of appropriateness; benzodiazepines and anticholinergics being the most often listed inappropriate medications. Many criteria also list inappropriate medication use due to drug-disease or drug-syndrome interactions. Avoiding unnecessary duplication is mentioned in the newest criteria. Fimea's database of medication for the elderly has been developed to support rational geriatric pharmacotherapy in Finnish healthcare. In addition to Fimea's database national evidence-based Current Care Guidelines on geriatric pharmacotherapy are needed.