Beers Criteria flags which heart medication with a maximum dose of 0.125 mcg?

Beers Criteria flags which heart medication with a maximum dose of 0.125 mcg?

• A. BEERS: Digoxin
• B. BEERS: Lisinopril
• C. BEERS: Atenolol
• D. BEERS: Furosemide

Answer: (A)

In older adults, digoxin has a very narrow range between beneficial and toxic levels, and its clearance relies heavily on kidney function. The Beers Criteria sets a maximum daily dose of 0.125 mg (125 micrograms) for digoxin to minimize the risk of toxicity in this population. Exceeding this dose increases the likelihood of adverse effects such as nausea, confusion, vision changes, and dangerous heart rhythms, especially when renal function is reduced or when interacting meds are present. The other heart medicines listed do not carry that specific Beers threshold of 0.125 mg/day, though they require caution in older adults for other reasons (electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, hypotension, etc.).

In older adults, digoxin has a very narrow range between beneficial and toxic levels, and its clearance relies heavily on kidney function. The Beers Criteria sets a maximum daily dose of 0.125 mg (125 micrograms) for digoxin to minimize the risk of toxicity in this population. Exceeding this dose increases the likelihood of adverse effects such as nausea, confusion, vision changes, and dangerous heart rhythms, especially when renal function is reduced or when interacting meds are present.

The other heart medicines listed do not carry that specific Beers threshold of 0.125 mg/day, though they require caution in older adults for other reasons (electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, hypotension, etc.).