ACE inhibitor versus ARB?? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

diitto · 10-12-2003, 05:46 PM

Hi, I am currently taking an ACE inhibitor for BP, 20 mgs per day as well as 10 mg of Atenolol, a Beta Blocker. I have the frustrating dry tickle cough that some folks experience on the ACE inhibitor. My doc is considering switching me to an Angiotensin Receptor Blocker... I've heard some folks here talk about those drugs. My main question is does anyone know how I should switch (assuming the doc decides that I will) meaning do you take both the ACE and the ARB, tapering down on the first while building up the second or do you just stop the ACE inhibitor cold turkey?? I am very concerned about my bp taking off again as the docs believe my bp took off (went very, very high) in the first place because one of my kidneys is small and not doing well.. So I will even tolerate the cough (though it does get bad at times) and stay on the ACE inhibitor if there is a risk in doing a switch over... Anyone ever moved from an ACE in an ARB?? Or does anyone just have thoughts to share?? Any input would be appreciated... thanks.. diitto...

diitto · 10-12-2003, 05:47 PM

By the way, the ACE inhibitor I am taking is Lisinopril... I just noticed I failed to be specific in my original post... thanks.. diitto...

grb · 10-12-2003, 06:17 PM

I started taking and Ace inhibitor 2 months ago for the first time. After a month I had such a bad cough that I could not sleep at night. My Dr switched me to Diovan an ARB. I just stopped taking the Ace the same day that I started the Diovan. The cough was gone in 3 days and my BP is the same as with the ACE 130/80.
I was never that high to begin with. I was borderline with 140/90 sometimes a little higher.
I am taking 80 mg Diovan as opposed to the 10 mg of Lotensin (ACE)
Hope that helps
George

zuzu8 · 10-13-2003, 12:29 PM

My story is almost identical to Grb's.....Cough driving me crazy....discontinued the ACE cold turkey and simply started the Diovan (80mg) the very next morning without missing a beat. Doc had me come back a week later to see if Diovan was doing the trick.....Needed to up it to 160mg. Cough disappeared within a few days and BP has continued to be great plus no side effects.

Your doctor will advise you when you do the switch..most likely you won't have to "taper". It's the beta blockers that usually have to be weaned if you've been on them a while.

zuzu xxx

diitto · 10-13-2003, 06:47 PM

Thanks for the input, grb and zuzu8... Much appreciated... I am to see my doctor soon and I intend to ask about this.. Thanks... diitto