Stakeholders' perspective on modalities to reduce anticholinergic burden

Abstract

The cumulative effect of multiple drugs with anticholinergic properties that are commonly prescribed to the elderly, collectively known as anticholinergic burden (ACB), has long posed a concern for healthcare professionals. ACB has been associated with medications that include benzodiazepines, opioids, anticholinergic drugs, and other drugs with anticholinergic properties (e.g., antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, antispasmodics, antipsychotics, and antiparkinsonian agents). Greater ACB has been implicated in significantly increased risk of morbidity (falls, dementia, adverse cardiac events) and mortality, especially in the elderly.