Evaluation of Prescriptions among Geriatric Patients Using Beer’s Criteria in a Tertiary Care Setting

Abstract: Introduction: The geriatric population is prone to physiologic changes, thus increasing the risk of medication-related problems. The use of potentially inappropriate medications is associated with profound medical and safety consequences in the elderly and imposes negative economic effects. Objectives: To assess drug therapy in geriatric patients using Beer's Criteria and analyze physician's feedback in response to the suggestions provided. Materials and Methods: An observational, prospective study was conducted for 6 months using case records of 159 inpatients. A suitably designed data collection form was used to collect data and were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science software version 23. Results: The majority of subjects prescribed potentially inappropriate medications 59 (47.2%) were aged between 65-74 years among which males 46 (52.8%) were prominent. Of 1920 prescribed medications, 111 (5.78%) have been identified as potentially inappropriate medications (Category 1, 2, 4, and 5), and 125 (6.51%) were the drugs to be used with caution (Category 3). Most commonly prescribed inappropriate medication was glimepiride 18 (16.2%) followed by alprazolam 10(9%) and lorazepam 7(6.3%). Conclusion: This study concludes that the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications among geriatric patients is 43.39%. It is necessary to consider factors such as creatinine clearance when prescribing medicines for geriatrics. Furthermore, awareness among physicians about the Beer's Criteria is required so that they deliver justifiable health care. In light of these findings, regulatory authorities should take action to mandate the implementation of Beer's Criteria. Keywords: Beer's Criteria, Geriatrics, Prevalence of Potentially inappropriate medications, Polypharmacy.