BC Medication is listed in the 2019 AGS Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medications for Older Adults
1 Avoid
2 Increased risk of mortality and cerebrovascular events compared with placebo; use with particular caution in patients with cerebrovascular disease or hypovolemia.
3 Can be given q12h; allow 2–4 wk for adequate trial.
4 Small divided daytime dosage and larger bedtime dosage; watch for sedation and orthostasis.
5 Monitor serum levels; periodic CBCs, platelet counts secondary to agranulocytosis risk. Beware of drug-drug interactions.
6 Can monitor serum levels; usually well tolerated; check CBC, platelets for agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia risk in older adults.
7 For acute use only; initial dose 2.5–5 mg, second dose (2.5–5 mg) can be given after 2 h, max of 3 injections in 24 h (max daily dose 20 mg); should not be administered for >3 consecutive d.