Suggestions for 2nd BP medicine.

mariposa9 · 06-17-2006, 01:45 AM

Hello folks

I already take 25mg of HCTZ, but it's not enough. My doctor suggested adding cozaar, and lotensin has also been suggested. I'm a very young 48, extremely active, and I want to avoid a beta-blocker (my first med was lopressor, 10 years ago, , and I'm still suffering the ill-affects of that drug).

Thanks in advance

Lenin · 06-17-2006, 09:38 AM

I'd try an ACE inhibitor first but not necessarily lotensin because it's one of the more expensive ones. (Like 5 times the cost of captopril.)

If you don't COUGH incessantly, you are home free. IF you develop the awful ACE HACK then move on to the ARB's...use Diovan or Benecol instead of Cozaar because losartan is probably the poorest of the ARB's.

If you are planning a pregnancy (if it's posssible,

) don't do the ACE route.

pal7778 · 06-18-2006, 06:38 PM

Lenin, What's your opinion of Avapro as an ARB? Thanks.

Lenin · 06-18-2006, 10:57 PM

pal,

I don't know much about Avapro.

lane413 · 06-19-2006, 10:41 PM

I do, my mom's new dr. prescribed it for her (2nd time in 3 yrs) and she had the same side effects she had with lisinopril. She was allergic to avapro as well. Her eyes itched, throat sore, rash, hives and a swollen tongue, not to mention leg pain. Also, avapro 150 mg didn't lower her bp much, even with a diuretic.

She had to discontinue avapro after a month and return to verapamil and clonidine.