Question

A hypertensive patient receiving a drug ‘Y’for managing BP was prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant. As a result, there was an abolition of the antihypertensive action of‘Y’. Which of the following drug could be ‘Y’?

• A. Atenolol
• B. Captopril
• C. Clonidine
• D. Diltiazem

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The given problem revolves around the interaction between an antihypertensive drug and a tricyclic antidepressant that abolishes the antihypertensive effect. To identify the correct drug 'Y', let's evaluate the given options:

1. Atenolol: Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, can block the action of these antihypertensives due to their anticholinergic properties and additional norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system effects. This interaction can diminish the antihypertensive effect of beta-blockers.
2. Captopril: Captopril is an ACE inhibitor. Tricyclic antidepressants do not have a significant interaction that results in the abolition of the antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibitors. They do not directly interfere with the renin-angiotensin system.
3. Clonidine: Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-agonist. While clonidine can have altered effects due to the central nervous system activity of tricyclic antidepressants, the interaction does not abolish its antihypertensive action entirely.
4. Diltiazem: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker. Tricyclic antidepressants do not typically cause a significant loss of antihypertensive action in calcium channel blockers.

Based on this analysis, Atenolol is the drug 'Y'. Tricyclic antidepressants can counteract the blood pressure-lowering effects of beta-blockers like Atenolol through their action on neurotransmitters and sympathetic effects.

The correct option is therefore: Atenolol.