Add each medicine on the ACB scale to get a total score. A total of 3 or more is clinically relevant.
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Many common medicines have anticholinergic effects. Together they can cause confusion, falls, constipation and urinary retention.
The ACB scale scores each medicine 1, 2 or 3. The total gives the burden.
| Total | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0 | No burden |
| 1–2 | Low burden |
| 3 or more | Clinically relevant: consider deprescribing |
A total of 3 or more is linked with cognitive impairment, falls and higher mortality in older people.
A total of 3 or more is clinically relevant.
Examples include amitriptyline, oxybutynin, chlorphenamine and paroxetine, which score 3.
Yes. Versions differ. Check unlisted medicines in the full ACB calculator.
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