Pharmacology · single question
Which medication is MOST associated with causing orthostatic hypotension?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant)
- A. INCORRECT (source answer — likely wrong) — Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) can cause first-dose hypotension, but ACE inhibitors are NOT classically listed among primary drugs causing orthostatic hypotension. Their hypotensive effect is typically positional-independent.
- B. CORRECT (verified answer) — Amitriptyline (TCA) causes orthostatic hypotension via alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blockade, preventing the normal vascular response to standing. TCAs are a leading pharmacologic cause of orthostatic hypotension.
- C. INCORRECT — Metformin (biguanide) lowers blood glucose without significant effect on blood pressure or vascular tone.
- D. INCORRECT — Statins (atorvastatin) are lipid-lowering drugs with no significant effect on blood pressure or orthostatic regulation.