Opioids that should be avoided in the older patients include meperidine, propoxyphene, and tramadol. Meperidine has active metabolites which can cause neuroexcitation, nervousness, and seizures.

Which drugs should generally be avoided in geriatric patients?

AVOID Certain Anticholinergic Drugs

• Antidepressants amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil)
• Anti-Parkinson drug trihexyphenidyl (Artane)
• Irritable bowel syndrome drug dicyclomine (Bentyl)

Is Oxycontin safe in elderly?

However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, heart, or lung problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving oxycodone in order to avoid potentially serious side effects.

What is the most common inappropriately prescribed drug to the elderly?

Diphenhydramine and amitriptiline are the most common inappropriately prescribed medications with high risk adverse events while propoxyphene and doxazoxin are the most commonly prescribed medications with low risk adverse events.

Are opioids safe for elderly?

Opioids have risks that may be particularly serious for older people, including: Sedation and mental confusion. Opioids can cause sleepiness or mental clouding, which can dramatically increase the risk of falls and fractures caused by falls.

Is tramadol safe for elderly?

Use any form of tramadol with extreme caution in patients 75 years and older. The elderly may be especially prone to side effects with tramadol due to lowered liver or kidney function and reduced metabolism or excretion.

Which of the following types of drugs should be avoided in older adults with dementia?

Anticholinergic drugs should be avoided in patients with dementia, cognitive impairment, or delirium. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine noted that higher cumulative anticholinergic medication use was associated with an increased risk for dementia.

Is oxycodone good for elderly?

Oxycodone. Oxycodone is twice as potent as morphine. Less than 15% of an oxycodone dose is excreted in the kidneys, making it an excellent drug for older adults. It also has a moderate side effect profile.

What’s the difference between hydrocodone and oxycodone?

This is going to get really technical, but the main difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone is that oxycodone has an extra oxygen atom. Also, oxycodone is synthesized from thebaine and is only used to alleviate pain, while hydrocodone is derived from codeine and can be used to relieve both pain and cough.

What drugs increase the risk of falling?

2. Non-benzodiazepine prescription sedatives. These drugs are usually prescribed to treat insomnia or sleep difficulties. This group includes the “z-drugs”: zolpidem, zaleplon, and eszopiclone (brand names Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta, respectively).

Which of the following medications inappropriate for the elderly?

Table. 2015 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults

• Brompheniramine.
• Carbinoxamine.
• Chlorpheniramine.
• Clemastine.
• Cyproheptadine.
• Dexbrompheniramine.
• Dexchlorpheniramine.
• Dimenhydrinate.

Is amitriptyline safe for elderly?

Tertiary amine tricyclics such as amitriptyline and imipramine have been reported to be effective in depressed geriatric patients, but because of their potential for side effects, it is not advisable to use them in the elderly.