Three Medication Classes Associated with Falls In Elderly

A recent meta-analysis of 22 studies found that 3 classes of drugs were significantly associated with falls in the elderly. Using a Bayesian statistical method, which allows for integration of older information with more recent data, the authors identified significant relationship between falls in the elderly 3 classes of drugs: sedatives and hypnotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants. The odds ratios for each class are illustrated below.

Drug class	Adjusted odds ratio
Sedatives and hypnotics	1.47
Benzodiazepines	1.41
Antidepressants	1.36

According to these findings, elderly people taking benzodiazepines, for example, were 41% more likely to fall compared to an elderly individual taking none of these drugs. The benefits of these drugs in elderly patients should be carefully considered against the risks of use, including potential increase in fall risk.

Woolcott JC, Richardson KJ, Wiens MO, et al. Meta-analysis of the impact of 9 medication classes on falls in elderly persons. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169:1952-60.