Some Medications That Contribute to Risk of Falls

Aminoglycosides

Direct vestibular damage

Analgesics (especially opioids)

Reduced alertness or slow central processing

Antiarrhythmics

Impaired cerebral perfusion

Anticholinergics

Confusion/delirium

Antihypertensives (especially vasodilators)

Impaired cerebral perfusion

Antipsychotics

Extrapyramidal syndromes, other antiadrenergic effects, reduced alertness, or slow central processing

Diuretics (especially when patients are dehydrated)

Impaired cerebral perfusion

Loop diuretics (high-dose)

Direct vestibular damage

Psychoactive medications (especially antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines)

Reduced alertness or slow central processing