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.
Tags: blood pressure drugs, blood pressure medication, blood pressure medicine, control blood pressure, diuretic, diuretics, high blood pressure, swelling of the feet, Taking BP MedsTekturna, diuretics and age
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 10 2009
Q: I have been having trouble controlling my blood pressure. I was on zetia, atenolol, and cozaar. Recently, the doctor stopped the cozaar and put me on alivide, 300/12.5 mg, which includes a diuretic and took me off the cozaar. At that time he also added HCTZ, 25. mg. As I continued to have problems, I asked him to consider a different medication. Instead, he put me on yet another diuretic, Tekturna, 150 mg. Isn’t this excessive use of diuretics, especially considering that I am 82 years of age?
A: Tekturna by itself is not a diuretic. It is a renin inhibitor. When combined with a diuretic it is called Tekturna HCT. While it is more convenient to combine drugs so only one pill needs to be taken, this option can be more expensive. Taking a diuretic with plain Tekturna is acceptable treatment. I suggest you express your concerns to your doctor. Age is not a contraindication to treating high blood pressure.
Tags: Atenolol, contraindication, cozaar, diuretic, diuretics, high blood pressure, renin inhibitor, Taking BP Meds, Tekturna, tekturna hct, ZetiaDiuretics and dehydration
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 03 2009
Q: Do high blood pressure pills cause dehydration?
A: Blood pressure lowering pills that contain diuretics can contribute to dehydration. Diuretics increase the amount of water the body loses with urination. To prevent dehydration, it is especially important for people taking diuretics to drink plenty of fluids in hot and sweaty conditions.
Tags: dehydration, diuretics, high blood pressure, Taking BP MedsDiuretics for treating high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 16 2009
Q: I usually have severe reactions to most medications which is why I don’t really want to take blood pressure medications. I would like to know your opinion of diuretics. I also would like to know what a natural diuretic would be. Please advise.
A: Diuretics are the mainstay of high blood pressure treatment. They have been around a long time and most people don’t have a significant problem taking them. Although there are natural diuretics, such as green tea and dandelion, the action of prescription diuretics for high blood pressure is more than just encouraging the body to lose fluid. Foods with diuretic properties are not a substitute for prescription drugs. Since you are looking for an alternative to pills, discuss use of the RESPeRATE with your doctor. It has been clinically proven to lower high blood pressure and has no side effects.
Tags: blood pressure medications, blood pressure treatment, dandelion, diuretic properties, diuretics, high blood pressure, natural diuretic, prescription drugs, RESPeRATE, Taking BP MedsDifficulty swallowing pills
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009
Q: Are there any chewable blood pressure meds? If not what would be your recommendation?
A: Unfortunately many medications used to treat blood pressure are designed to have a slow release so it is not smart to crush the pills to make them easier to swallow. You should discuss whether it is safe to crush your medication with your pharmacist. Liquid preparations of some diuretics are available but it is not likely that these will be the best drugs to treat your high blood pressure. Rethinking how you go about swallowing pills is the best plan. Fill your mouth with water before putting the pill in your mouth and then just gulp. Follow immediately with another swig of water. Done quickly enough, the pill floats on the water down your throat and is completely tasteless.
Tags: blood pressure meds, diuretics, drugs, high blood pressure, liquid preparations, medications, swallowing pills, Taking BP MedsLeg cramping and blood pressure medication
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 18 2008
Q: I take a blood pressure pill verapamil 180mg and a water pill. Lately I have been cramping in my legs. My husband thinks my potassium may be too low. He also takes BP medication but is also on potassium pills. What do you think?
A: Leg cramps can be caused by low levels of minerals such as potassium, calcium, or magnesium. Some diuretics cause the body to lose potassium. As your husband has been prescribed potassium supplementation, it is likely he is on that kind of water pill. Your diuretic may be different. I suggest you talk to your doctor. In the meantime, try eating a banana every morning and see it you notice a difference. Bananas are naturally high in potassium. Also eating bananas may help you maintain a healthy weight. For more information: click here.
Tags: blood pressure medication, diuretics, leg cramping, low potassium, Taking BP Meds, verapamilShould diuretics be taken separately or together?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 25 2008
Q: Does it matter whether a diuretic is taken separately or in the same pill for high blood pressure? Cozar vs. Hyzar, for example. I’m wondering because the difference in cost is huge!
A: Diuretics were combined with other medications to treat high blood pressure for convenience. Some people prefer to take only one pill. There is no reason why the medications can’t be taken separately. When calculating the cost savings, remember receiving an additional drug means another insurance co-payment and/or pharmacy dispensing fee.
Tags: Cozar, diuretics, high blood pressure medication, hyzaar, medication, Taking BP MedsNewest drugs for hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 14 2008
Q: What is the newest drug for hypertension?
A: The newest class of drugs to treat high blood pressure is renin inhibitors. Renin is a substance secreted by the kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure. An example of this kind of drug is Tekturna or aliskiren. Keep in mind that the newest drug for blood pressure may not be the best drug for you. Thiazide diuretics remain key in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Tags: aliskiren, diuretics, drugs, high blood pressure medication, hypertension, Renin, Taking BP Meds, Tekturna, ThiazideTypes of BP meds to take without causing sexual dysfunction and impotence
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 19 2008
Q: What are the best types of BP meds I can take without causing sexual dysfunction and impotence?
A: Not all the diuretics used to treat high blood pressure are associated with sexual side effects but sometimes just a diuretic isn’t enough to control hypertension. Some of the problems caused by blood pressure medication may be dose related so adjusting dosing can improve sexual function. Your doctor needs to know your concerns and figure out the best treatment plan for you. As an alternative to drugs, you might want to consider use of the RESPeRATE. Regular use lowers blood pressure without sexual side effects.
Tags: diuretics, impotence, RESPeRATE, Sex, sexual, sexual dysfunction, sexual function, side effects
