Box 1. Thirteen explicit criteria for PIPs used for assessing the appropriateness of GPs’ prescriptions to older patients (≥70 years).
Single drugs Combination of drugs
1. Tricyclic antidepressants

  • Amitriptyline

  • Doxepine

  • Trimipramine

8. Combination of a beta-blocker with either

  • Verapamil or

  • Diltiazem

2. First generation antihistamines

  • Dexchlorpheniramine

  • Promethazine

  • Alimemazine

  • Hydroxycine

9. Combination of an NSAID and warfarin
3. First generation (low potency)

  • Chlorpromazine

  • Chlorprotixene

  • Levoprometazine

  • Prochlorperazine

10. Combination of an NSAID (or a Cox-2 inhibitor)
with an ACE-inhibitor (or an ARB)
4. Long-acting benzodiazepines

  • Carisoprodol

11. Combination of an NSAID and a SSRI
5. Muscle relaxant

  • Carisoprodol

12. Combination of an NSAID and a diuretic
6. Strong analgesics

  • Propoxyphene

  • Pethidine

  • Opioids with spasmolytics 

13. Concurrent use of ≥3 psychotropic drugs within classes:

  • Opioid analgesics

  • Hypnotics

  • Tranquillisers 

  • Antipsychotics

  • Antidepressants 

7. Theophylline tablets

  • ACE = angiotensin converting enzyme. ARB = Angiotensin receptor blocker. COX = cyclooxygenase. NSAID = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. PIP = potentially inappropriate prescription. SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.