Aim To explore the prescribing, and the rationale for this prescribing, of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older persons by Australian general practitioners (GPs). Methods This was a qualitative study employing semistructured interviews and thematic analysis. GPs who had patients taking at least one PIM were invited to participate. PIMs were defined by the Beers criteria. Results Twenty‐two GPs from four regions in three Australian states participated. While none were aware of the Beers criteria, participant GPs displayed good knowledge of the potential adverse effects of these medications. They were comfortable with the continued prescription of the medications. This was based on often quite complex harm‐benefit considerations of the biopsychosocial contexts of individual patients. Conclusions The concept of ‘appropriate’ versus ‘inappropriate’ medications implicit in classification systems such as the Beers criteria is at odds with complex considerations informing decision‐making prescribing PIMs in older persons.