Which drug would you not expect to see on a discharge prescription after an acute coronary syndrome?

Which drug would you not expect to see on a discharge prescription after an acute coronary syndrome?

• A. Alendronic acid
• B. Atenolol
• C. Atorvastatin
• D. Clopidogrel

Answer: (A)

After an acute coronary syndrome, discharge prescriptions aim for secondary prevention and reducing future risk. This includes continuing or starting a beta-blocker to reduce mortality and myocardial work, using a high-intensity statin to lower LDL and stabilize plaque, and providing antiplatelet therapy as indicated (often dual antiplatelet therapy if a stent was placed). An osteoporosis medication like alendronic acid does not provide cardiovascular benefit and is not part of standard ACS secondary prevention, so it wouldn’t be expected on a discharge prescription for ACS. If osteoporosis is present, such a drug might be managed separately, but not added specifically for ACS treatment.

After an acute coronary syndrome, discharge prescriptions aim for secondary prevention and reducing future risk. This includes continuing or starting a beta-blocker to reduce mortality and myocardial work, using a high-intensity statin to lower LDL and stabilize plaque, and providing antiplatelet therapy as indicated (often dual antiplatelet therapy if a stent was placed). An osteoporosis medication like alendronic acid does not provide cardiovascular benefit and is not part of standard ACS secondary prevention, so it wouldn’t be expected on a discharge prescription for ACS. If osteoporosis is present, such a drug might be managed separately, but not added specifically for ACS treatment.