Which medication class can contribute to falls in older adults?

Which medication class can contribute to falls in older adults?

• A. Antihistamines
• B. Diuretics
• C. Sedatives
• D. Beta blockers

Answer: (C)

Sedatives directly depress the central nervous system, which can lead to slowed reflexes, impaired balance, drowsiness, and reduced coordination. In older adults, these effects are more pronounced and longer lasting because of age-related changes in drug metabolism and sensitivity. That combination makes it easier to lose balance, stumble, or fall, even with what might be considered a typical dose. While other drug classes listed can contribute to falls—antihistamines with their drowsiness, diuretics with possible dehydration and orthostatic hypotension, beta blockers with dizziness—the strongest and most direct link to falls is the CNS depression caused by sedatives.

Sedatives directly depress the central nervous system, which can lead to slowed reflexes, impaired balance, drowsiness, and reduced coordination. In older adults, these effects are more pronounced and longer lasting because of age-related changes in drug metabolism and sensitivity. That combination makes it easier to lose balance, stumble, or fall, even with what might be considered a typical dose. While other drug classes listed can contribute to falls—antihistamines with their drowsiness, diuretics with possible dehydration and orthostatic hypotension, beta blockers with dizziness—the strongest and most direct link to falls is the CNS depression caused by sedatives.