Association between medication use and falls in older adults

Oscanoa T.J.; Cieza-Macedo E.; Amado-Tineo J. · Horizonte Medico (2026) · DOI: 10.24265/horizmed.2026.v26n1.06

Resumen

Objective: To examine the association between the use of specific medications—gabapentin, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, proton pump inhibitors, and tramadol—and the risk of falls among older adults. Materials and methods: Comprehensive geriatric assessment reports of patients aged ≥ 60 years, both outpatients and inpatients, were reviewed for the period 2018–2022 at a referral hospital in Peru. Collected data included history of falls in the previous 12 months (yes/no), regular medications, age, sex, and age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI). A binary logistic regression model was used to estimate the risk of falls (odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]) associated with specific medications. The model was adjusted for age, sex, ACCI, and total number of medications. Results: The study included 1,225 patients, with a mean age of 78.7 ± 7.6 years, of whom 56.2% were female. In the regression model, independent predictors of falls were advanced age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05; p = 0.001), gabapentin use (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.02–2.30; p = 0.040), and antidepressant use (OR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.77–3.84; p < 0.001). Gabapentin was prescribed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Conclusions: This study identified a significant association between antidepressant and gabapentin use and an increased risk of falls in older adults. Gabapentinoids are indicated as adjuvant analgesics for reducing opioid use in chronic cancer and non-cancer pain, especially in older adults. Given the potential risks observed, further pharmacovigilance studies are needed to clarify their impact on risk of falls in this population.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad de San Martín de Porres