Orthostatic hypertension is a common side effect of which type of medications?

• A. Antihypertensives
• B. Statins
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Antidepressants

Answer: (A)

When you stand, gravity pulls blood toward the legs, and the body normally compensates by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate to keep blood pressure stable. Antihypertensive medications blunt that automatic response by lowering vascular resistance or circulating volume. Because the body's compensatory mechanism is dampened, standing can cause a drop in blood pressure—orthostatic hypotension—leading to dizziness or fainting, especially when starting treatment or changing the dose.

So, this class of drugs is most commonly associated with orthostatic hypotension. In practice, patients should change positions slowly, sit before standing, and report lightheadedness or fainting spells. Other drug classes can have different side effects, but the classic link here is antihypertensives.