19th February 2004
Tammy-
ATACAND is an ARB (angiotensin 2 receptor blocker). I take Diovan which is in the same class. I am a huge fan of the ARBs, since they have virtually NO side effects.
In general, ARBs have antihypertensive efficacy comparable to that of ACE inhibitors. Reduction in systolic blood pressure of 5-12 mm Hg and reduction in diastolic blood pressure of 3.5-9.3 mm Hg have been observed following ARB therapy. If blood pressure goals are not attained, adding a low-dose DIURETIC should do the trick.
Both ARBs and ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia (excess potassium blood levels) so if you intend to take any potassium supplements, check with your doctor.
Your doctor was wise in putting you on Aldomet while you were pregnant. It is one of the few antihypertensive drugs that won't harm the fetus.
If you are breastfeeding, you should know that it is not known for sure whether ATACAND is excreted in human milk, but it has been shown to be present in rat milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, this is something you might want to discuss with your doctor.
zuzu xx
ATACAND is an ARB (angiotensin 2 receptor blocker). I take Diovan which is in the same class. I am a huge fan of the ARBs, since they have virtually NO side effects.
In general, ARBs have antihypertensive efficacy comparable to that of ACE inhibitors. Reduction in systolic blood pressure of 5-12 mm Hg and reduction in diastolic blood pressure of 3.5-9.3 mm Hg have been observed following ARB therapy. If blood pressure goals are not attained, adding a low-dose DIURETIC should do the trick.
Both ARBs and ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia (excess potassium blood levels) so if you intend to take any potassium supplements, check with your doctor.
Your doctor was wise in putting you on Aldomet while you were pregnant. It is one of the few antihypertensive drugs that won't harm the fetus.
If you are breastfeeding, you should know that it is not known for sure whether ATACAND is excreted in human milk, but it has been shown to be present in rat milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, this is something you might want to discuss with your doctor.
zuzu xx