Which of the following is a common effect of this type of medication?

A 22-year-old woman adopted a cat. Shortly thereafter, she developed itchy eyes and persistent rhinorrhea. She was clearly allergic to the pet, but desperately wanted to keep it. She tried taking diphenhydramine, but it had intolerable side effects.

Which of the following is a common effect of this type of medication?
A . Decreased intraocular pressure
B . Bradycardia
C . Xerostomia
D . Diarrhea
E . Excessive sweating

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

Diphenhydramine possesses anticholinergic properties. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common side effect of anti-cholinergic medications, due to anti-muscarinic, parasympatholytic effects. Other adverse reactions may include: • Mydriasis with blurred vision, photophobia • Urinary retention • Constipation • Anhidrosis • Hyperthermia • Tachycardia • Altered mental status A commonly referenced mnemonic for anti-cholinergic toxicity is “mad as a hatter, red as a beet, dry as a bone, hot as a hare, blind as a bat” to reflect confusion, flushing, dry mouth, hyperthermia and mydriasis, respectively.