Medication Education After Myocardial Infarction

What medication should a client not take within 24-48 hours of nitroglycerin following a myocardial infarction?

a. ace inhibitor
b. calcium channel blockers
c. beta-blockers
d. phosphodiesterase inhibitors

Answer:

A client discharged following a myocardial infarction should not take nitroglycerin within 24-48 hours of taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors.

Following a myocardial infarction, it is crucial for healthcare providers to educate clients on the proper use of medications, particularly nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is commonly prescribed for chest pain relief, but its interaction with certain medications can be dangerous.

One of the medications that should not be taken within 24-48 hours of nitroglycerin is phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). These medications are often used for erectile dysfunction and work by dilating blood vessels. When combined with nitroglycerin, they can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to potential complications.

While medications like ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers do not interact to the same extent with nitroglycerin, it is still important for clients to coordinate their medication schedules and doses with their healthcare providers. This ensures optimal safety and efficacy of the medications used in post-myocardial infarction care.