Question

Which class of drugs may cause syndrome of muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and extrapyramidal symptoms?

1) Antipsychotics
2) Antidepressants
3) Antibiotics
4) Antihistamines

Answer 1

Antipsychotics are the class of drugs that can cause symptoms including muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and extrapyramidal symptoms, as part of a severe side effect known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Step-by-step explanation:

The class of drugs that may cause a syndrome characterized by muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and extrapyramidal symptoms is antipsychotics. These symptoms are indicative of a severe side effect known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is associated principally with the use of antipsychotic medications. Antipsychotics like haloperidol affect dopamine activity in the brain, particularly within the basal nuclei, leading to these adverse reactions. Medications such as risperidone, which is an antipsychotic that antagonizes D2 and serotonin type 2 receptors, along with certain other receptors like alpha adrenergic and histaminergic H1 receptors, can also be associated with these side effects.