Medications that may contribute to Falls

Condition used for Common drug names

HIGH RISK DRUGS
Antidepressants Used for depression described as low Amitriptyline, Dothiepin, Lofepramine, Trazadone, Citalopram,
mood, unable to cope, anxiety. Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Seroxat), Sertraline
Sometimes used for pain relief
Antipsychotics Mental illness of many types including Chlorpromazine (Largactil), Haloperidol (Seranace), Promazine,
disturbed patients, schizophrenia, Amisulpride, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone, Clozapine
dementia aggression
Anti-muscarinic Shaking as in Parkinson’s disease, side Orphenadrine, Procyclidine, Benzhexol, Oxybutynin, Tolteradine
effects of other drugs, urinary frequency,
incontinence
Benzodiazepines and Anxiety, calming and to help with sleep Diazepam (Valium), Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Lorazepam,
Hypnotics Oxazepam, Nitrazepam (Mogadon), Lorprazolam,
Lormetazepam, Temazepam, Zaleplon, Zolpidem, Zopiclone,
Chloral Betaine (Welldorm), Chloral Hydrate
Drugs for Parkinson’s Slow movement, rigidity, shaking Co-beneldopa, Co-careldopa, Selegiline
Disease
MODERATE RISK
ACE inhibitors High blood pressure, heart failure Captopril, Enalopril, Lisinopril, Perindopril, Ramipril, Trandolapril
Angiotensin II High blood pressure Losartan, Valsartan
antagonists
Alpha-blockers High blood pressure, prostate disease Doxazosin, Prazosin, Terazosin
Anti-arrhythmics Irregular heart beat, usually faster Digoxin, Amiodarone, Disopyramide, Flecanide
Anti-epileptics Epilepsy (seizures or fits), pain, mood Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Lamotrigine, Phenytoin,
stabiliser Phenobarbitone, Epilim (Sodium Valproate), Clonazepam
Anti-histamines Allergies, hayfever, rashes, help with Cetrizine (Zirtek), Desloratidine, Chlorpheniramine (Piriton),
sleep Diphenhydramine, Promethazine
Beta-blockers High blood pressure, angina (chest pain) Propranolol, Atentolol, Bisoprolol, Sotaolol

Diuretics Fluid retention (swollen ankles, breathing Bendrofluazide, Indapamide, Frusemide, Bumetanide, Amiloride,
problems) Spironolactone
LOW RISK DRUGS
Calcium channel High blood pressure, angina (chest pain) Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Nifedipine, Verapamil
blockers
Nitrates Angina (chest pain) Glyceryl trinitrate, Isosorbide mononitrate
Opiate analgesics Pain, especially terminal pain, Codeine Morphine (MST, Oramorph, Sevredol, Zomorph), Codeine,
used with Paracetamol in small doses for Dihydrocodeine, Tramadol
pain
Oral anti-diabetics Type 2 diabetes – elderly onset Glibenclamide, Glicazide, Metformin
Proton pump inhibitors Stomach ulcers, heartburn Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Pantoprazole, Cimetidine,
PPIs and H2 Famotidine, Ranitidine
antagonists

Common anticoagulants, anti-platelet therapy medications and osteoporosis therapy medications

 Common anticoagulants include warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, enoxaparin/clexane, heprin

 Common anti-platelet therapy drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, prasugrel, ticagrelor
 Common osteoporosis medications include: alendronate/alendronic acid, risedronate, ibandronate, zoledronic
acid, strontium ranelate, raloxifene, denosumab, teriparatide