A patient is allergic to penicillin.
Which class of antibiotics might they also have a cross-allergy to?

Choice A rationale
Barbiturates are a class of drugs primarily used as sedatives and anesthetics. They are not typically used in the treatment of depression or anxiety disorders.
Choice B rationale
Rebound insomnia is a term used to describe a condition where a person experiences insomnia as a withdrawal symptom after discontinuing use of a sleep aid, particularly those in the benzodiazepine family. It is not a type of medication used to treat depression or anxiety disorders.
Choice C rationale
Antidepressants are indeed used for the treatment of depression and a range of anxiety disorders including panic, social phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation.

Choice D rationale
Anxiolytics are a class of medications used to treat anxiety disorders. However, they are not typically used to treat depression.

Choice A rationale
While it’s true that poor circulation can affect drug distribution in older adults, this is not the primary reason antianxiety medications are used cautiously in this population.
Choice B rationale
While the liver’s ability to metabolize drugs can decrease with age, leading to increased drug levels in the body, this is not the primary reason antianxiety medications are used cautiously in older adults.
Choice C rationale
Decreased acid production can affect the absorption of certain drugs, but this is not the primary reason antianxiety medications are used cautiously in older adults.

Choice D rationale
Reduced elimination of drugs is a key concern in older adults. This can lead to a buildup of drugs in the body, increasing the risk of side effects. This is particularly true for antianxiety medications, which can cause side effects such as dizziness, confusion, and falls.