Which of the following medications is NOT associated with papilledema?

• A. Tetracyclines
• B. Penicillins
• C. Contraceptives
• D. Vitamin A

Answer: (B)

Papilledema happens when intracranial pressure rises and is transmitted to the optic nerve head, causing optic disc swelling. Some drugs can trigger this intracranial hypertension, leading to papilledema. Tetracyclines are a classic culprit, linked to drug-induced intracranial hypertension. Excess vitamin A (or retinoids) is another well-known cause, and there’s also clinical association with estrogen-containing contraceptives in some cases. Penicillins, on the other hand, do not have a known association with raised intracranial pressure or papilledema. So the medication not linked to papilledema is penicillins.