Which medication should be avoided in a patient diagnosed with hyperthyroidism?

Which medication should be avoided in a patient diagnosed with hyperthyroidism?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Meperidine
• D. Carbocaine

Answer: (B)

In the context of hyperthyroidism, epinephrine should be avoided due to its stimulating effects on the cardiovascular system. Patients with hyperthyroidism typically have an increased metabolic rate and are often more prone to cardiovascular complications, such as tachycardia and arrhythmias. The administration of epinephrine, a sympathomimetic agent, can exacerbate these cardiovascular issues, leading to potentially dangerous situations like hypertensive crises or severe arrhythmias. The other medications listed—acetaminophen, meperidine, and carbocaine—do not have the same level of cardiovascular impact and can be administered with caution primarily in a controlled setting. Acetaminophen is a standard analgesic and antipyretic that is generally safe for use in this population. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that, while it may carry risks, particularly with long-term use or in higher doses, does not have the same acute cardiovascular implications as epinephrine. Carbocaine, a local anesthetic, can be safely used with appropriate precautions regarding dosages and the presence of adrenaline in formulations. Therefore, epinephrine's effect on cardiovascular stability in hyperthyroid patients makes it the medication that should be avoided.

In the context of hyperthyroidism, epinephrine should be avoided due to its stimulating effects on the cardiovascular system. Patients with hyperthyroidism typically have an increased metabolic rate and are often more prone to cardiovascular complications, such as tachycardia and arrhythmias. The administration of epinephrine, a sympathomimetic agent, can exacerbate these cardiovascular issues, leading to potentially dangerous situations like hypertensive crises or severe arrhythmias.

The other medications listed—acetaminophen, meperidine, and carbocaine—do not have the same level of cardiovascular impact and can be administered with caution primarily in a controlled setting. Acetaminophen is a standard analgesic and antipyretic that is generally safe for use in this population. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that, while it may carry risks, particularly with long-term use or in higher doses, does not have the same acute cardiovascular implications as epinephrine. Carbocaine, a local anesthetic, can be safely used with appropriate precautions regarding dosages and the presence of adrenaline in formulations. Therefore, epinephrine's effect on cardiovascular stability in hyperthyroid patients makes it the medication that should be avoided.