Hypertension/med question

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Expert: Domenic Sica - 10/9/2009


Question
After a bout with hypertension and a 4 day stay in the hospital, all tests came back fine, minoxidil was added to my mix of dialy meds. Benicar 20 mg in the AM, metoprol 75 in the AM, and minoxidil 10 mg in the AM and then  minoxidil 10 mg at supper and then verapamil 240 at bedtime. I had one day with a bp spike of 153/100, and since then, pressure has been dropping daily. This AM it was 116/70, at noon, 109/60. Should I be concerned or did the minoxidil just finally 'kick in'? I do not feel dizzy, weak, etc.

Answer
The minoxidil is likely to be kicking in. Ypu should be able to reduce the dose of the minoxidil by 50% if your blood pressure remains this low. I presume your physician is following your blood pressure closely with you ?

Regards,

Domenic Sica, M.D.

Hypertension

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Domenic Sica

Expertise

All aspects of hypertension as well as any consideration in drug therapy for the management of hypertension.

Experience

Heavily published in the area of drug therapy in hypertension and renal disease. Primary management physician for a large multi-state referral practice for diagnosis and management of complex hypertension

Organizations
Multiple including the American Society of Hypertension, International Society of Hypertension, American Society of Nephrology, American Heart Association, American College of Clinical Pharmacology amongst others.

Publications
Over 250 publications (see PubMed)

Education/Credentials
Board certified in internal medicine, nephrology, clinical pharmacology, and hypertension

Awards and Honors
Multiple awards as clinical and/or teacher of the year.

Past/Present Clients
Not pertinent

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