When treating a patient for cocaine-induced hypertension, which medication should NOT be used?

When treating a patient for cocaine-induced hypertension, which medication should NOT be used?

• A. Pure beta blocker
• B. Calcium channel blocker
• C. ACE inhibitor
• D. Alpha-beta blocker

Answer: (A)

In the context of cocaine-induced hypertension, the use of a pure beta blocker is contraindicated due to the potential for exacerbating symptoms. Cocaine causes vasoconstriction and increases catecholamine levels, leading to elevated heart rates and blood pressure. Administration of a pure beta blocker might block the beta-adrenergic receptors without addressing the vasoconstriction caused by cocaine, which can worsen hypertension and potentially lead to cardiovascular complications such as increased workload on the heart or even myocardial infarction. In contrast, treatments such as calcium channel blockers can help by promoting vasodilation and reducing blood pressure without the risk of exacerbating hypertension in this scenario. ACE inhibitors and alpha-beta blockers may also be appropriate, as they can help manage blood pressure through different mechanisms that are effective in the context of cocaine use. Understanding the pharmacological effects and interactions in the specific case of cocaine-induced hypertension is crucial to making safe and effective treatment decisions.

In the context of cocaine-induced hypertension, the use of a pure beta blocker is contraindicated due to the potential for exacerbating symptoms. Cocaine causes vasoconstriction and increases catecholamine levels, leading to elevated heart rates and blood pressure. Administration of a pure beta blocker might block the beta-adrenergic receptors without addressing the vasoconstriction caused by cocaine, which can worsen hypertension and potentially lead to cardiovascular complications such as increased workload on the heart or even myocardial infarction.

In contrast, treatments such as calcium channel blockers can help by promoting vasodilation and reducing blood pressure without the risk of exacerbating hypertension in this scenario. ACE inhibitors and alpha-beta blockers may also be appropriate, as they can help manage blood pressure through different mechanisms that are effective in the context of cocaine use. Understanding the pharmacological effects and interactions in the specific case of cocaine-induced hypertension is crucial to making safe and effective treatment decisions.