Which medication is frequently avoided in older adults due to risk factors associated with its use?

Chlordiazepoxide is frequently avoided in older adults primarily due to its classification as a benzodiazepine. This class of medications is associated with various risks in the elderly population, including sedation, cognitive impairment, increased risk of falls, and dependency. Older adults may have altered pharmacokinetics due to age-related changes in metabolism and excretion, making them more susceptible to the side effects of benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide.

Additionally, benzodiazepines can lead to prolonged sedation and confusion, which are particularly hazardous for older individuals often already at risk for these issues. Therefore, while there are other medications that have their own considerations in older adults, the profile of chlordiazepoxide and its associated risks make it a medication that healthcare providers tend to avoid in this population.