Which medication is typically used for pain relief in patients post-MI?

Morphine is commonly used for pain relief in patients following a myocardial infarction (MI). It acts as an opioid analgesic, providing effective relief of chest pain and discomfort, which is critical in the management of acute MI. The analgesic properties of morphine allow it to decrease the workload on the heart by reducing anxiety and pain, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Additionally, morphine has vasodilatory effects, which can help decrease myocardial oxygen demand and improve blood flow. This is particularly beneficial in the acute setting of MI, where alleviating pain and managing stress on the heart is essential.

In the context of the other medications listed, while ibuprofen can relieve pain, it is not typically used in acute MI situations due to its potential to affect platelet function and increase the risk of bleeding. Ranitidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist used for reducing gastric acid production and does not have a role in pain management. Furosemide is a diuretic primarily used for managing fluid overload and heart failure, not for pain relief. Therefore, morphine stands out as the most appropriate choice for post-MI pain management.