Friday September 18, 1998 - Question 7

A 45 year-old male with a history of gout, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia is complaining of muscle weakness and pain, which began several days ago.  He reports no unusual or strenuous activity.  His present medications include allopurinol for gout prophylaxis, hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol for hypertension, and lovastatin (Mevacor) for elevated cholesterol.  The only change the patient reports is a new “grapefruit diet” that he has been trying.  The diet consists of one large grapefruit in the AM and grapefruit juice several times during the day and at mealtimes.

Which of the following statements concerning the above case is true?

A. Atenolol is the most likely cause of the new onset muscle pain.
B. Grapefruit juice may be interacting with the lovastatin.
C. The patient is most likely experiencing an acute gouty attack.
D. Allopurinol can interact with atenolol.
E. The patient is probably not drinking enough water.
 
 
 

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