What dietary item should a patient prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor avoid?

Patients prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) need to be cautious about dietary items that contain tyramine, a compound that can cause dangerous interactions when consumed in large amounts with MAOIs. Among the options provided, yogurt can contain tyramine, especially if it is aged or fermented, making it a potential risk for patients taking these medications.

When tyramine is consumed by a patient on MAOIs, it can lead to hypertensive crises due to the inhibition of the monoamine oxidase enzyme responsible for breaking down tyramine in the body. This is why patients are often advised to avoid aged cheeses, fermented products like yogurt, and other tyramine-rich foods to prevent these adverse effects.

On the other hand, butter, rice, and milk are typically low in tyramine and considered safer options for individuals on MAOIs. This distinction highlights the importance of dietary management alongside pharmacological treatment for patients on these medications.