Geriatrics Flashcards
(63 cards)
Define: Potentially Inappropiate Medications (PIMs)
risks associated with use of the medication outweighs the benefit
What is the purpose of the Beers Criteria?
identify potentially inappropiate medications that should be avoided in many older adults
What are the med classes that should raise alarm when used in the older patient population?
- anticholinergics
- antipsychotics
- sulfonylurea
- PPIs
- benzodiazepines
- NSAIDs
- opioids
- orthostatic agents
AND MORE
Why should first generation antihistamines be generally avoided in the elderly?
cognitive impairment, risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation
What is the recommendation of antihistamines use in the elderly?
avoid use of first generation
What may be used in place of antihistamines in the elderly?
- nasal steroids, second generation antihistamines, or saline nasal spray for allergies
- sleep hygiene (non-pharmacologic) for insomnia use
Why should TCAs and paroxetine be avoided in the elderly?
sedation, orthostatic hypotension and anticholinergic side effects
What is the recommendation of antidepressants in elderly?
avoid use of TCAs and paroxetine
What is the alternative therapy in elderly for antidepressants?
- depression: SSRIs (sertraline or escitalopram), bupropion
- Neuropathic pain: gabapentin, pregabalin, or topical agents
When may benzodiazepines be used in the elderly?
- seizures
- withdrawal (EtOH and BZD)
- severe/refractory anxiety
Why should benzodiazapines be generally avoided in the elderly?
risk of cognitive impairment, falls, delirium, fractures and motor vehicle crashes
sedative hypnotics should also be avoided for same reason
Why should PPIs be avoided in the elderly?
risk of C. diff infections and fractures
What is the recommendation for digoxin use the elderly?
- avoid first line use in HF (use agents that decrease morbidity and mortality) and A Fib (ate control with BB or CCB)
- avoid doses > 0.125mg/day
Why should alpha blockers (non-selective) be avoided as hypertensives in the elderly?
risk of orthostatic hypotension
Why should central alpha agonists (clonidine) be avoided in the elderly?
CNS effects, bradycardia, and orthostatic hypotension
What glucose lowering medication should be avoided in the elderly?
- glyburide, glimepride, and short-acting sulfonylureas (glipizide)
- sliding scale insulin
What is the recommendation of SGLT2 use in the elderly?
use with caution due to increased risk of urogenital infections
What is the recommendation of NSAID use in elderly?
avoid chronic use unless patient has failed safer therapy and is on PPI due to increased risk of bleeding or peptic ulcer disease in high risk patients (>75 yo, corticosteroid use, anticoagulant use, antiplatelet use)
Urinary Incontinence
What are the types of urinary incontinence?
- overactive bladder (OAB) or urge (UUI)= bladder overactivity; urgency, frequency, large amount of urinary leakage, may be unable to reach toilet, frequent nocturia, nocturnal incontinence; micturition occurs > 8 times a day
- stress (SUI)= urethral underactivity; leaking during physical activity, typically a small amount of leakage; risk factors: pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, cognitive impairment, obesity, aging
- overflow= urethral underactivity and/or bladder underactivity; bladder leakage due to disease or medication, increased post void residual urine volume, straining to void, interrupted stream; associated with BPH
- functional= difficult reaching toilet in time due to physical limitations
- mixed= often stress and urge, but can be a combination of any
Urinary Incontinence
What are the common causes of urinary incontinence?
DRIP-DRIP
- Drugs
- Retention
- Impaction
- Polyuria
- Delirium
- Restricted mobility
- Infection
- Prostatits
Urinary Incontinence
What tools may be used to diagnose Urinary Incontinence?
international consultation on incontinence modular questionnaire- urinary incontinence or voiding diary to identify triggers and potential causes
Urinary Incontinence
What is the first line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB)?
non-pharmacological therapy (for 4-6 weeks), such as: voiding diary, bladder control exercises, kegel exercises, avoiding diet triggers- according to guidelines. other measures, such as: lifestyle modifications (weight reduction, fluid modification), scheduling regimens, pelvic floor rehabilitation, incontinence devices, supportive interventions
Urinary Incontinence
What is the first line pharmacological treatment for overactive bladder (OAB)?
- beta3 adrenergic receptor agonists
2. antimuscarinic agents
Urinary Incontinence
What is the pathophysiology of overactive bladder (OAB)?
involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle