Which of the following anti-lipidemic drugs are the most potent antilipidemic agents, and have proven to lower the risk of Myocardial Infarction?

Diuretics are drugs that increase the amount of urine and salt (sodium) excreted by the kidneys. They are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema (fluid retention). However, some diuretics can cause low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias. To prevent this, a combination of diuretics acting on different parts of the kidney (such as a loop diuretic and a thiazide diuretic) may be prescribed.This way, the potassium-sparing effect of one diuretic can balance the potassium-wasting effect of the other, while still achieving a net sodium loss.

Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy.Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who are resistant to or intolerant of monotherapy.

Choice C is wrong because little follow up is not needed after the initial treatment.Patients on combination diuretic therapy require close monitoring of their blood pressure, electrolytes, renal function, and weight to avoid adverse effects such as dehydration, hyponatremia, hypotension, and worsening renal function.

Choice D is wrong because they do not increase the risk of hypokalemia.As explained above, combination diuretic therapy aims to reduce the risk of hypokalemia by using a potassium-sparing diuretic along with a potassium-wasting diuretic.

Normal ranges for serum potassium are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L and for serum sodium are 135 to 145 mmol/L.

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.