Which category lists somnolence, confusion, dizziness especially in the elderly, delirium, and cautions in elderly with cardiovascular disease, increased intraocular pressure, asthma, GI obstruction, urinary retention, and thyroid dysfunction?

Which category lists somnolence, confusion, dizziness especially in the elderly, delirium, and cautions in elderly with cardiovascular disease, increased intraocular pressure, asthma, GI obstruction, urinary retention, and thyroid dysfunction?

• A. Adverse effects
• B. Benadryl adverse effects
• C. Breast milk effects
• D. Benadryl therapeutic effects

Answer: (B)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has strong anticholinergic and sedative effects. The somnolence, confusion, dizziness, and delirium described—especially in the elderly—are classic CNS adverse effects of this medication. The cautions listed (in elderly with cardiovascular disease, increased intraocular pressure, asthma, GI obstruction, urinary retention, and thyroid dysfunction) reflect the anticholinergic burden that Benadryl can impose, which can worsen these conditions. Because these symptoms and cautions are adverse drug reactions specifically tied to Benadryl, the best category is Benadryl adverse effects. The other options don’t capture these drug-specific adverse CNS/anticholinergic effects.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has strong anticholinergic and sedative effects. The somnolence, confusion, dizziness, and delirium described—especially in the elderly—are classic CNS adverse effects of this medication. The cautions listed (in elderly with cardiovascular disease, increased intraocular pressure, asthma, GI obstruction, urinary retention, and thyroid dysfunction) reflect the anticholinergic burden that Benadryl can impose, which can worsen these conditions. Because these symptoms and cautions are adverse drug reactions specifically tied to Benadryl, the best category is Benadryl adverse effects. The other options don’t capture these drug-specific adverse CNS/anticholinergic effects.