Antacids and blood pressure medication

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 19 2009

Q: Can you take an antacid such as prevacol while taking blood pressure medicine?

A: Prevachol is a cholesterol lowering drug, not an antacid. Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), not an antacid. Antacids neutralize stomach acids while a PPI blocks their release. Prevacid does not interact with most blood pressure drugs. Recommended amounts of antacids, such as Tums or Rolaids, usually aren’t a problem with blood pressure medication. It is best to double-check with your pharmacist or doctor about an interaction with your specific drugs.

Skipping meds, weight gain and smoking

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009

Q: I am presently taking BP pills (amlodipine 5mg 1x a day). Can I get the same results if I take them every other day due to cost? My bp is not always high although in the past it has been 120/210. To this date I have quit smoking, but now I eat more and have gained more weight. I do exercise at least 3-4 times a week. Does bp medicine make you gain weight?

A: You should always take your blood pressure medicine as it is prescribed. Skipping doses is not smart. If you can’t afford your medicine, talk to your doctor. Perhaps a less expensive drug can be used. Also, drug companies offer assistance programs for people who can’t afford necessary drugs. Most people who quit smoking report weight gain. Your weight gain is most likely related to your smoking cessation, not your blood pressure medication.

Side effects of antihypertensive medication

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 28 2009

Q: I’m looking for a high blood pressure medicine that doesn’t have side effects of coughing or swelling of the feet. Do you know of any?

A: Diuretics are a commonly used type of blood pressure medication that aren’t known for causing swelling or cough. However, sometimes a diuretic is not enough to control blood pressure and other drugs are needed. You should discuss your side effects with your doctor. For a listing of blood pressure drugs and their common side effects, click here.

BP still high with meds

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 29 2009

Q: I have high blood pressure and I am taking Diovan 160mg, Nifedipine Retard-20mg and HCTZ (50)Tab (Hydrachlorothiazide) so now I am taking 3 tabs in the morning, 1 Nif. after dinner and 1 at night. But my bp. is still too high sometimes. Should I ask for changes of medication or what else can I do?

A: The RESPeRATE has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure. It can be safely used in combination with drug therapy. Oftentimes use of the RESPeRATE means that additional drugs are not needed to control blood pressure. Ask your doctor about a RESPeRATE trial.

Please Note: RESPeRATE users – do not reduce your blood pressure medication without first consulting with your health care professional.

Resistant hypertension, meds and RESPeRATE

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 06 2009

Q: I have taken 5 different BP medications, at this time Tekturna and Bistolic. I went to a vascular specialist and my BP was 200. He said I had essential hypertension and that they didn’t know what causes it or how to treat it. Now I’m ready to get off the BP meds because they don’t work. Would RESPeRATE work for me?

A: Never stop taking medication for high blood pressure without first consulting with your doctor. Abrupt stopping of medication may lead to serious complications. Regular use of the RESPeRATE can help to get blood pressure in control. Keep in mind, for many people, RESPeRATE is used along with medication to achieve control.

Please Note: RESPeRATE users – do not reduce your blood pressure medication without first consulting with your health care professional.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009

Q: I was diagnosed with high blood pressure after the birth of my third child who is now 6 yrs.old. Is it possible to stop taking blood pressure medication once your pressure is regulated?

A: Hypertension that starts with pregnancy doesn’t always go away after the child is born. You need to discuss with your doctor if attempting to taper your medication would be appropriate. Maintaining a normal weight and having a healthy lifestyle will help. Even if you are able to stop medicine now, keep in mind that pregnancy related hypertension is a risk factor for increased blood pressure later in life.

Leg muscle ache and Benazepril

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 28 2009

Q: I’m 63 years old and have been a distance runner and into fitness for over 40 years. My elevated BP occurs most frequently under stress and in the Dr’s office when my BP is being taken. I’m currently taking Benazepril HCL 40 mg once a day. Could this be causing leg muscle heaviness and ache when running? When not excerising, I have no symptoms.

A: Your blood pressure medication spares potassium. Depending upon your food intake, your potassium levels may be getting too high. A symptom of too much potassium can be muscle fatigue. Exercise may be making you more aware of this symptom. Make sure your doctor is aware that you are experiencing leg discomfort. Further evaluation may be needed.

Skipping blood pressure medication

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 17 2009

Q: My husband is taking high blood pressure pills and should take one every day. Lately, because his blood pressure seems good he waits two to three days before taking another pill. I keep telling him he should take it consistently the way prescribed and that he could be doing harm taking it and then not taking it. I would appreciate your input.

A: You are absolutely correct. Your husband should take his medicine as prescribed. It can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking blood pressure drugs, even if only for a few days. He should ask his doctor the safe way to lower his medication if a lower dose is now appropriate.

High BP even with multiple meds

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 26 2009

Q: I have high blood pressure and my doctor has tried me on many different meds. I take vasotec twice a day, hctz 25 mg daily and a catapres patch once a week. My doctor recently added metoprolol 25 mg twice a day plus 8.75 mg of sular. The sular is causing severe swelling and taking lasix my BP is still way too high. What is the dose that I could take of metoprolol and not have to take the sular and lasix?

A: You have not provided enough information for me to make any dosage recommendations. Before starting another blood pressure drug, I would suggest you talk to your doctor about use of the RESPeRATE. It has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure without interacting with any blood pressure medication. Considering all the different classes of drugs you are currently taking, drug interaction is a big concern.

Don’t forget lifestyle impacts blood pressure. It is very important for difficult to control hypertensive people to exercise regularly, maintain a normal weight, and eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

White coat hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 16 2009

Q: I have a problem with high blood pressure whenever I go to the doctor’s office, and the doctor gave me medication. But my blood pressue is good when I measure it at home. What do I do? Do I have to take the medication? Please advise.

A: Record your blood pressure at home and show these measurements to your doctor. It sounds like you may have “white coat hypertension”. This is a well known condition when blood pressure is only elevated at the doctor’s office. In some cases, 24 hour blood pressure monitoring is ordered to prove that this is the case and blood pressure medication is not needed. To learn more about monitoring your blood pressure at home, click here.