Which medication can cause hypotension as a side effect?

Ativan, which is a brand name for lorazepam, is a medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is primarily used for the management of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and as a premedication for anesthesia. One of the notable side effects of Ativan is hypotension, which is a condition characterized by abnormally low blood pressure. This side effect occurs because benzodiazepines can cause relaxation of the smooth muscles and lead to peripheral vasodilation. The resulting decrease in vascular resistance can lower blood pressure.

In contrast, other medications listed do not typically cause hypotension as a significant side effect. Aspirin is primarily an anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication that is often used for pain relief and to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes but is not commonly associated with hypotension. Albuterol, a bronchodilator used for asthma and other respiratory conditions, does not normally result in hypotension; instead, it may occasionally cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia). Benadryl, an antihistamine used primarily for allergy relief, can lead to sedation and other anticholinergic effects, but hypotension is not its primary or most common side effect.