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Postural hypotension in older adult — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsPostural hypotension in older adultGPhC CRA

An 84-year-old man taking doxazosin 4 mg at night for hypertension reports dizziness when standing and one recent fall. His sitting blood pressure in the pharmacy is 124/70 mmHg. He also takes tamsulosin. What is the most appropriate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: ERefer for medication review due to falls and postural symptoms

Alpha-blockers can cause postural hypotension, particularly in older people and when combined with another alpha-blocker. A fall in this context is a safety signal requiring medication review. The pharmacist should not make unilateral changes but should refer for prescriber assessment.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS