NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

What is the risk of combining MAO-Is with drugs or foods that increase epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine?

1. Diabetic crisis

2. Hypertensive crisis

3. Hypotensive crisis

4. Adrenal crisis

The correct answer is: Hypertensive crisis

Combining MAO-Is (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) with drugs or foods that increase epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine can lead to a hypertensive crisis. MAO-Is inhibit the breakdown of these neurotransmitters, leading to an accumulation in the body, which can result in dangerously high blood pressure. This can manifest as a hypertensive crisis, characterized by severe headaches, palpitations, chest pain, and in severe cases, can even lead to stroke or death. It is crucial to avoid such combinations to prevent this potentially life-threatening complication. The other options are not the expected outcomes of combining MAO-Is with substances that increase epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine. Diabetic crisis is usually associated with uncontrolled blood glucose levels in diabetics. Hypotensive crisis refers to a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to shock. Adrenal crisis results from an acute deficiency of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands.