Question

A nurse is admitting a client who has major depressive disorder and a new prescription for tranylcypromine. Which of the following over the counter medications that the client reports taking should alert the nurse to a potential adverse reaction

a.LansoprazoleLansoprazole does not interact adversely with tranylcypromine.
b.NaproxenNaproxen does not interact adversely with tranylcypromine.
c.Magnesium hydroxideMY ANSWERMagnesium hydroxide does not interact adversely with tranylcypromine.
d.PhenylephrineClients who are taking tranylcypromine, an MAOI antidepressant, should not take phenylephrine and other over-the-counter medications for sinus congestion, colds, or allergies due to their actions on the sympathetic nervous system, which can result in severe hypertension.

Answer 1

The nurse should be aware that phenylephrine, an over-the-counter medication for colds and allergies, can cause severe hypertension when taken with tranylcypromine, a MAOI prescribed for major depressive disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client with major depressive disorder is newly prescribed tranylcypromine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), the nurse should be alert to potential adverse reactions with certain over-the-counter medications. Phenylephrine, an adrenergic agent found in many cold, sinus, and allergy medications, can cause a dangerous interaction when taken with MAOIs like tranylcypromine, leading to severe hypertension. Other medications, such as lansoprazole, naproxen, and magnesium hydroxide, do not interact adversely with tranylcypromine.