Question

Which should be done if the 3rd line treatment of hypertension is not enough for a patient?

(a) Diuretic

(b) Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

(c) Increase drug dose

(d) Need further studies

I got this question during an online interview.

This intriguing question comes from Histamine, Bradykinin and Their Antagonists topic in chapter Histamine, Bradykinin and their Antagonists, Pharmacotherapy of Gastric Ulcer, Peptic Ulcer of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (d) Need further studies

The explanation is: 1st line treatment should continue with lifestyle modification, initial drug selection should be diuretic, beta-blocker. If inadequate, continue to second-line treatment which includes adding drugs such as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor, Calcium Channel Blocker, Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB), α- blocker, α- and β-blocker. If inadequate, continue to third line treatment increase drug dose or Substitute another drug or add a second drug from another class. If inadequate may need to do further studies serious organ damage may be present.