A Case Study: Inappropriate Use of Amitriptyline in the Elderly

In 1999, nearly 7 million elderly persons were prescribed potentially inappropriate medications as identified by Beer's Criteria.1 Amitriptyline is among the most frequently inappropriately prescribed drugs according to Beer's Criteria.2, 3, 4, 5 Interventions to educate prescribers on Beer's Criteria are indicated to improve appropriate prescribing to the elderly population.1, 6 Nurses also need to be aware of the potential adverse effects of these drugs when providing care to geriatric patients.