Expert: Newell R. Falkinburg, M.D., FACP - 8/20/2007

Question
Could you please tell me which medicine is better for me in order to protect my kidney? (Male, 40 years with creatinine level 1.2, BUN/Creatinine ratio 13, no known lick age of protein in urine)I currently take Lisinopril 20mg & Atenolol 50mg for my high blood pressure and its under control.

Answer
Dear Richard,

These two medications do the same thing in different ways. Lisinopril lowers angiotension II by preventing its generation in the lung.  Diovan is an angiotension II receptor blocker and lowers angiotension II by preventing it from binding with its receptor.  Both, therefore, reduce blood pressure and , by complicated intrarenal vascular mechanisms both preserve renal function in many kidney diseases especially in diabetic nephropathy.

The bottom line is that both are effective but nether is superior to the other.

Thanks for the question and I apologize for the delay in getting back to you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Falkinburg