Minimize Multiple Anticholinergics in Older Patients

You’ll see renewed focus on limiting anticholinergic meds (amitriptyline, etc) in older adults...due to a new Medicare Star Rating.

Anticholinergics are on the Beers Criteria of potentially harmful drugs in patients 65 years and older...due to the risk of memory and thinking problems, falls, etc. They also cause side effects, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, constipation, and difficulty urinating.

Medicare Part D plans will be evaluated on the use of multiple anticholinergic meds in older adults (POLY-ACH) in 2027. But this matters NOW...since ratings are based on data from 2 years prior.