Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for the elderly can be associated with greater risks than benefits and its use has been reported internationally. A cross-sectional study was performed based on data from a representative sample of the elderly population (60 years or older) living in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (n=1,158). The dependent variable was NM use (2012 Beers Criteria). The independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, health status and use of health care services and medications. Analyses were performed using Poisson regression model at a level of significance of 5%. The prevalence of NM use was 43.3% and a total of 694 PIMs were identified. After multivariate analysis, female gender, number of chronic conditions and number of medications were positively and independently associated with PIM use. The study revealed a high prevalence of PIM use, indicating the need for selection of safer therapeutic alternatives in this patient group