An AHRQ-convened panel of researchers went a step further—identifying 11 drugs on the list that should be avoided entirely by older patients:

* Barbiturates such as burabarbital, secobarbital, and pentobarbital. These sedative hypnotics, or tranquilizers, can cause unconsciousness and death in large doses. They also are associated with serious withdrawal problems.
* Flurazepam. Similar to Valium, this drug can cause sedation, putting older people at increased risk for falls. Better agents and shorter-acting ones are available.
* Meprobamate. This older drug used for the treatment of anxiety is very sedating and highly addictive.
* Chlorpropamide. One of the first oral diabetes drugs, the drug can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Shorter-acting and overall better drugs are available for older persons with diabetes.
* Meperidine. Better known as Demerol, this drug is a narcotic and can be sedating. Safer alternatives are available.
* Pentazocine. A narcotic known as Talwin, this drug acts as a painkiller. It causes confusion and hallucinations.
* Trimethobenzamide. Tigan is an anti-nausea drug that has central nervous system side effects. More effective drugs are available.
* Belladonna alkaloids. Along with the remaining drugs on this list, belladonna alkaloids relieve gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Dicyclomine. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Hyoscyamine. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.
* Propantheline. Like belladonna alkaloids, this drug relieves gastrointestinal spasms and generally should be avoided by older people. Side effects include dizziness, dry mouth and urinary retention.


I hope and pray this information has helped a loved one today. Please take care of your older friends and family members!