STOPP Criteria: What Older Adults Should Avoid in Medications

When you’re over 65, taking too many pills isn’t just common—it can be deadly. The STOPP criteria, a set of evidence-based guidelines identifying potentially inappropriate medications for older adults. Also known as Screening Tool of Older Person’s Prescriptions, it helps doctors and pharmacists cut out drugs that do more harm than good. These aren’t random suggestions. They’re backed by real data from hospitals and clinics across Europe and the U.S., showing that up to 40% of seniors are prescribed at least one medication that increases their risk of falls, confusion, kidney damage, or even death.

One of the biggest problems? benzodiazepines, sedatives often prescribed for anxiety or insomnia in older patients. Drugs like diazepam or lorazepam may calm nerves, but they slow reaction time, wreck balance, and raise fall risk by 50%. Another common offender is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, used for joint pain. For seniors, these can trigger stomach bleeds, kidney failure, or heart failure—even at low doses. Then there’s anticholinergics, medications that block acetylcholine and are found in many sleep aids, allergy pills, and bladder drugs. These fog the mind, worsen dementia, and aren’t worth the risk when safer options exist.

The STOPP criteria don’t just list bad drugs—they tell you when to switch. For example, if someone’s on long-term proton pump inhibitors for heartburn, STOPP says to check if they still need it after 8 weeks. If they’re taking metoprolol for high blood pressure but also have slow heart rate, it’s a red flag. The goal isn’t to strip all meds away—it’s to remove the ones that outlive their usefulness. And it’s not just for doctors. Caregivers and patients should ask: "Is this still helping?" or "Could this be making me worse?"

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t theory—it’s real-world guidance. From how to check if your loved one’s meds match the STOPP list, to what alternatives work better for sleep, pain, or bladder issues, these articles give you the tools to speak up. You’ll see how generic drugs, antacids, and even herbal supplements can slip through the cracks and become hidden risks. No fluff. No jargon. Just clear, practical steps to protect older adults from preventable harm.