222k views
3 votes
Patients taking MAOIs must not eat foods rich in what substance because hypertensive crisis can result?

a. Vitamin C
b. Iron
c. Tyramine
d. Calcium

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Patients taking MAOIs must avoid foods high in tyramine to prevent a hypertensive crisis. Tyramine-rich foods can cause dangerously high levels of this substance in the body, increasing blood pressure. Angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor, and norepinephrine can constrict the pupil.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) must avoid consuming foods that are rich in tyramine, because it can lead to a potentially life-threatening hypertensive crisis. These drugs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine in the body, allowing its levels to increase dangerously if foods high in this substance are ingested. Common foods that contain high levels of tyramine include cured meats, aged cheeses, fermented products, and some alcoholic beverages. An increase in tyramine can cause an abrupt increase in blood pressure, leading to the risk of a hypertensive crisis.

Related Knowledge:

Concerning the subject of vasoconstrictors, angiotensin II is an example of a substance that acts to constrict blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure (Answer to reference question 23 is 'd').

In terms of neurotransmitters that influence pupil size, norepinephrine can lead to the constriction of the pupil (Answer to reference question 14 is 'a').

User Reily Bourne
by
8.5k points