Which medication is known to cause confusion in elderly patients?

Which medication is known to cause confusion in elderly patients?

• A. Tagamet
• B. Lisinopril
• C. Metformin
• D. Loratadine

Answer: (A)

In older adults, medications with central nervous system effects or anticholinergic properties can trigger confusion or delirium. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 blocker that can cross into the brain and alter neurotransmitter activity, increasing the risk of confusion, agitation, or delirium, especially with polypharmacy or impaired kidney function. The other drugs listed—an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril, metformin, and a non-sedating antihistamine like loratadine—are not typically associated with acute confusion in the elderly. Lisinopril mainly causes dizziness or electrolyte issues, metformin concerns are about lactic acidosis in renal impairment, and loratadine generally has minimal CNS effects in older adults. So Tagamet is the best choice for this issue.

In older adults, medications with central nervous system effects or anticholinergic properties can trigger confusion or delirium. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 blocker that can cross into the brain and alter neurotransmitter activity, increasing the risk of confusion, agitation, or delirium, especially with polypharmacy or impaired kidney function. The other drugs listed—an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril, metformin, and a non-sedating antihistamine like loratadine—are not typically associated with acute confusion in the elderly. Lisinopril mainly causes dizziness or electrolyte issues, metformin concerns are about lactic acidosis in renal impairment, and loratadine generally has minimal CNS effects in older adults. So Tagamet is the best choice for this issue.