Uncontrolled BP on many meds

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

Q: I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in 2003. I tried Clonidine, Accupril and got rebound hypertension and impaired Kidney function. I am currently on the following medications - Tekturna 150 mg x2, Terazosin 10 mg x6, Labetalol x1, Guanfacine, x3, Hydralazine 10 MG x2. My BP now stays high. Can these meds be having an interaction issue, or just too much medicine? Can any of them cause rebound hypertension and make my BP worse? I just ordered the RESPeRATE Machine to see if that will help. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

A: The more medications you take, the more likely you are to have an interaction of some kind. For a good discussion on interactions, click here. The drugs you are taking for your blood pressure are all in different classes of medication and should work together to lower your pressure. Clearly you are having problems. You should show your blood pressure readings to your doctor and discuss your concerns. Rebound hypertension can occur if you stop your drugs or aren’t taking them as prescribed.

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.

Tekturna, 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.

BP not controlled with Tekturna

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 23 2009

Q: I have been taking blood pressure medicine TEKTURNA 300 mg every night but my pressure is still at 160/90. When I go to the doctors, it is 140/90. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Make sure your doctor is aware of your nightly blood pressure readings. Discuss taking your medicine in the morning and adding use of the RESPeRATE. Regular use of this device can help get blood pressure into control and may prevent the addition of another drug.

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

Newest 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.