Patients with pheochromocytoma should avoid which class of drug due to the risk of hypertensive crisis?

Patients with pheochromocytoma should avoid beta-2-agonists due to the risk of hypertensive crisis. Pheochromocytoma is a type of tumor that produces excess catecholamines (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine), which can lead to significantly elevated blood pressure. Beta-2-agonists are primarily used for asthma and other respiratory conditions; they can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and potentially enhance the effects of catecholamines released by the tumor. This stimulation can lead to a severe increase in blood pressure, putting the patient at risk for hypertensive crisis.

In contrast, the other options—aspirin, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers—do not carry the same level of risk for inducing hypertensive crises in this context. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that does not influence blood pressure significantly. ACE inhibitors can aid in managing hypertension and may be used in conjunction with proper monitoring if absolutely necessary. Calcium channel blockers are also used to manage hypertension and can help in cases of high blood pressure, although their use should be approached cautiously and under the supervision of a healthcare provider familiar with the patient's condition.