Confusion in the Geriatric patient Flashcards
To which class of drugs does Indapamide belong?
Thiazide diuretics
In what percentage of confusion cases is it estimated that medicines are the sole trigger?
12 - 39%
Which types of drugs are particularly associated with causing confusion?
Benzodiazepines
Opioids
Medicines with anticholinergic effects (Amitriptyline, imipramine and oxybutynin)
To which class of drugs does Amitryptiline belong?
Tricyclic antidepressants.
Which class of drugs is considered the best pharmacological treatment for an acutely confused patient?
Conventional antipsychotics
What are the consequences of using conventional antipsychotics in the medium to long term?
Dystonia,
Parkinsonian tremor,
dyskinesias,
hypotension,
Metabolic syndrome (albeit less than atypicals)
How should Haloperidol be administered?
A starting dose of 0.5-1mg in the elderly. Repeated cautiously as required. Therapeutic effect is seen within 45-60 minutes. Can be given Intramuscularly, but Oral dose is preferable, if possible.
Why is Chlorpromazine less desirable than Haloperidol for treating acute delirium?
Sedative, causes postural hypotension and is moderately anticholinergic.
What are two Atypical antipsychotics that can be used in an acutely delirious patient?
Olanzapine
Risperidone
Quetiapine
Which antipsychotic drug is the drug of choice for treating the acutely delirious patient?
Haloperidol
Which type of diuretic causes low sodium?
Thiazide-related diuretics
What is the optimum treatment for hyponatraemia in a patient with heart failure?
Fluid restriction
Why are benzodiazepines not a good choice for treating confusion in the elderly?
Because the elderly are especially sensitive to its effects.
WIthdrawal from which drug could produce a confused state?
Stopping regular high alcohol intake.
