What is a common side effect of anti-arrhythmic medications?

What is a common side effect of anti-arrhythmic medications?

• A. Constipation
• B. Visual disturbances
• C. Weight gain
• D. Sweating

Answer: (B)

Visual disturbances are a recognized side effect of many anti-arrhythmic medications. These medications affect the electrical activity of the heart and often impact various systemic functions, including neurological pathways that can result in changes in vision. For example, drugs such as quinidine can lead to blurred vision or other visual impairments due to their anticholinergic effects, which may influence the eye and visual processing. In contrast, while the other choices may reflect side effects associated with different classes of medications or conditions, they are not commonly linked to anti-arrhythmic drugs. Constipation can occur with certain medications but is more frequently associated with opioids or certain antihistamines. Weight gain is generally noted with particular antidepressants and antipsychotics rather than anti-arrhythmics. Sweating, though it may occur in various settings, is not a well-documented side effect of anti-arrhythmic therapies. Thus, visual disturbances specifically highlight the unique side effect profile of anti-arrhythmic medications.

Visual disturbances are a recognized side effect of many anti-arrhythmic medications. These medications affect the electrical activity of the heart and often impact various systemic functions, including neurological pathways that can result in changes in vision. For example, drugs such as quinidine can lead to blurred vision or other visual impairments due to their anticholinergic effects, which may influence the eye and visual processing.

In contrast, while the other choices may reflect side effects associated with different classes of medications or conditions, they are not commonly linked to anti-arrhythmic drugs. Constipation can occur with certain medications but is more frequently associated with opioids or certain antihistamines. Weight gain is generally noted with particular antidepressants and antipsychotics rather than anti-arrhythmics. Sweating, though it may occur in various settings, is not a well-documented side effect of anti-arrhythmic therapies. Thus, visual disturbances specifically highlight the unique side effect profile of anti-arrhythmic medications.