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.
Tags: Atenolol, contraindication, cozaar, diuretic, diuretics, high blood pressure, renin inhibitor, Taking BP Meds, Tekturna, tekturna hct, ZetiaCholesterol medicine
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 07 2008
Q: I had a stroke last year due to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I am on metoprolol 50 mg, lisinoril 40 mg twice a day, hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg once a day and lipitor 80 mg at bedtime. I cannot afford the lipitor and there is no generic. Is there any presciption medicine that can substitute for the lipitor?
A: There are other cholesterol lowering drugs available such as Zocor, Zetia and Pravachol. Although they lower cholesterol, they are not identical to Lipitor. If your doctor feels that Lipitor is the best drug for you, drug assistance programs are available from pharmaceutical companies and other organizations. Go to http://www.rxassist.org to check on what programs are available in your area and for eligibility requirements.
Tags: cholesterol, hydrochlorothiazide, lipitor, lisinoril, metoprolol, Pravachol, Taking BP Meds, Zetia, Zocor
