Which drug class should not be used when a patient is taking nitrates?

This is a mnemonic to remember the common suffix of drugs that block the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and reduce chest pain. For example, metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol are beta blockers.

Choice A is wrong because calcium channel blockers do not end in DIPINE.

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that block the entry of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels, which can relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Some calcium channel blockers end in DIPINE, such as amlodipine and nifedipine, but not all of them.

For example, verapamil and diltiazem are also calcium channel blockers.

Choice C is wrong because ACE inhibitors do not end in ZoSIN.

ACE inhibitors are drugs that inhibit the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which can lower blood pressure and prevent heart failure.

ACE inhibitors usually end in PRIL, such as lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril.

Choice D is wrong because angiotensin II receptor blockers do not end in STATIN.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers are drugs that block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers usually end in SARTAN, such as losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan.

The normal range for blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.

The normal range for heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) is a urinary tract analgesic that can relieve the pain, burning, and discomfort caused by infection or irritation of the urinary tract.However, it can also cause some side effects, one of which is changing the color of bodily secretions to reddish orange. This is due to the excretion of the drug in the urine, saliva, sweat, and tears.The color change is harmless and usually disappears when the drug is stopped.

Choice A is wrong because phenazopyridine does not change bodily secretions to alkaline.In fact, it may interfere with the urine test that measures acidity (pH) and glucose.

Choice B is wrong because phenazopyridine does not change bodily secretions to pinkish.However, some other drugs, such as rifampin and doxorubicin, may cause urine to turn red or pink.

Choice D is wrong because phenazopyridine does not change bodily secretions to black.However, some other drugs, such as metronidazole and nitrofurantoin, may cause urine to turn brown or dark yellow.

Some other common side effects of phenazopyridine include headache, dizziness, indigestion, and stomach pain.Some serious side effects include skin itching, interference with the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, hemolytic anemia, and renal and hepatic toxicity.

These problems are more common in people who have existing kidney problems or take more than recommended.If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking phenazopyridine hydrochloride and talk to a healthcare provider right away.