Which medication class is least likely to contribute to anorexia in the older adult population?

Which medication class is least likely to contribute to anorexia in the older adult population?

• A. Narcotic analgesics
• B. Antihistamines
• C. Histamine receptor antagonists
• D. Antihypertensive agents

Answer: (B)

In older adults, medications can influence appetite through effects on the GI system, central appetite centers, and overall energy or energy intake. Narcotic analgesics frequently lead to anorexia because they cause nausea, slowed gastric emptying, and central suppression of appetite. Histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) can contribute to GI symptoms or taste changes that may reduce intake in some individuals. Antihypertensive agents can also cause symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or nausea that decrease eating. Antihistamines, while they have anticholinergic and sedative effects, are not typically associated with appetite suppression to a meaningful degree in most older adults. Therefore this class is least likely to contribute to anorexia.

In older adults, medications can influence appetite through effects on the GI system, central appetite centers, and overall energy or energy intake. Narcotic analgesics frequently lead to anorexia because they cause nausea, slowed gastric emptying, and central suppression of appetite. Histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) can contribute to GI symptoms or taste changes that may reduce intake in some individuals. Antihypertensive agents can also cause symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or nausea that decrease eating. Antihistamines, while they have anticholinergic and sedative effects, are not typically associated with appetite suppression to a meaningful degree in most older adults. Therefore this class is least likely to contribute to anorexia.