Help!!! Need info on meds - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

MissLawanna · 05-27-2004, 05:28 AM

I read the blurb on Micardis which cautioned about taking potassium supplements or potassium sparing drugs such as Maxzide as it may raise potassium levels.

I know there are two kinds of Micardis...one with a diuretic (HST) I believe it is and then one WITHOUT a diuretic which I take and use Maxzide instead. Maxzide is a potassium sparing diuretic.

Now the question is, is the info about Micardis raising potassium aimed at the one with a diuretic plus if you take another diuretic such as Maxzide or does Micardis itself have an effect on potassium?

I've been taking the plain Micardis and have had no side effects and is doing a good job with my bp so hope what I read doesn't apply to Micardis in general.

I've had blood work done since taking it and so far nothing out of ordinary.

Not sure if I've made myself clear but would appreciate any info.

Thanks

zuzu8 · 05-27-2004, 10:25 AM

Miss L,

You're fine.

Taking straight Micardis (non HCT) with Maxide is okay.

From everything I've read, Micardis (non-HCT) should not significantly affect potassium levels, if at all.

I've found a LOT of mistakes written about Micardis on the internet, including several references that make the assumption that it contains a diuretic automatically. It does not. You are right, there's Micardis HCT and regular Micardis.
Maxide is a combo of two diuretic agents, hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene. The triamterene maintains or increases sodium excretion and reduces the excess loss of potassium, (also hydrogen, and chloride ions) sometimes caused by hydrochlorothiazide. Hence the name "potassium sparing".
As long as your routine bloodwork shows no potassium depletion, you should have no worries. If you experience any weakness, fatigue, dizziness, or headache, these can be signs of problems with the diuretic in general.

Just continue monitoring your BP, keep regular appts with your doc as indicated, and relax!

zuzu xxx

MissLawanna · 05-27-2004, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissLawanna

I read the blurb on Micardis which cautioned about taking potassium supplements or potassium sparing drugs such as Maxzide as it may raise potassium levels.

I know there are two kinds of Micardis...one with a diuretic (HST) I believe it is and then one WITHOUT a diuretic which I take and use Maxzide instead. Maxzide is a potassium sparing diuretic.

Now the question is, is the info about Micardis raising potassium aimed at the one with a diuretic plus if you take another diuretic such as Maxzide or does Micardis itself have an effect on potassium?

I've been taking the plain Micardis and have had no side effects and is doing a good job with my bp so hope what I read doesn't apply to Micardis in general.

I've had blood work done since taking it and so far nothing out of ordinary.

Not sure if I've made myself clear but would appreciate any info.

Thanks

MissLawanna · 05-27-2004, 01:46 PM

Thanks ZuZu. Glad you replied as I read your posts on various questions posted here and you certainly have an excellent knowledge about bp in general.

I feel much better hearing this.