A Primary Care Perspective on Prescribing for Women

A recent paper indicates that in older patients receiving angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, co-trimoxazole is associated with an increased risk of sudden death. This is probably related to trimpethoprim-induced sudden hyperkalemia. Other drugs such as nitrofurantoin should be chosen first line where a woman is taking an ACE or an ARB, or potassium should be monitored, Fralick et al. (BMJ 349:g6196, 2014).