Geriatric Quick Consult      Medications to Avoid in the Elderly      Do #4

Discontinue medications without an indication or where the desired effect has not been achieved



Knowledge Action
Approximately 75% of chronic medication discontinuations result in no adverse outcomes.

Adverse outcomes are most likely when several medications are discontinued simultaneously.

Exacerbation of cardiovascular disease is the most common adverse outcome.

Some medications require gradual withdrawal, for example beta blockers and benzodiazepines, to avoid physiologic withdrawal reactions.1, 2, 3
  • Discontinue medications without an indication or where the desired effect has not been achieved.

References:

  1. Hanlon JT et al. J Clin Epidemiol 1992;45:1045-51.
  2. Graves T et.al. Arch Intern Med 1997;157:2205-10.
  3. Davidson HE. Consult Pharm 1998;13:209-10.
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