Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 11/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have HBP and on Tenochlor ( atenolol-100 and HCTZ 25 mg ) once a day and Losar A ( Losartan 50 and Amlodepine 5 mg) twice a day. I take Tenochlor and Losar A in the morning and Losar A in the night. I have come to new place I have been doing well with the regimen I am male 50 years with obesity. Mu BP is around 140/90 in the evening. I went to a reputed hopsital where superspeciality in cardiology advised to take Olmesartan 2o plus amlodepine 5 mg twice instead of Losar A twice. Is olmesartan a better molecule than losartan since both sounds sartan

ANSWER: Dear Surendra

It is not so much that olmesartan is better than the other sartans but it may be better for you and other persons. People tend to respond differently to drugs within the same group and it is not at all unusual for physicians to try these changes in the interest of the patient.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sir, Thanx for your response with so much of precision yet very convincing. My further query to you is whther side effect profile of both olmesartan and losartan same and whether losartan gas some add on benefits over olmesartan > I am troubling U by further query. In your humble opinion, is the experiment of chamged drug worth or should I stick to losartan Thanx sir

Answer
Dear Surendra
These are the common adverse effects for olmesartan

Tachycardia.

Dizziness; fatigue; vertigo; insomnia.
Dermatologic

Rash.
Abdominal pain; dyspepsia; gastroenteritis; nausea.
Genitourinary
Hypercholesterolaemia; hyperlipaemia; hyperuricaemia.
Miscellaneous

Chest pain; pain; peripheral oedema; arthritis; myalgia; skeletal pain.

And these for losartan
Tachycardia.
Dizziness; fatigue; vertigo; insomnia.
Dermatologic
Rash.
Abdominal pain; dyspepsia; gastroenteritis; nausea.
Genitourinary
Hypercholesterolaemia; hyperlipaemia; hyperuricaemia.
Miscellaneous

Chest pain; pain; peripheral oedema; arthritis; myalgia; skeletal pain.

Almost identical and nost affects are uncommon.

In my opinion if your BP is under good control with the losartan I see no reason to change.

Regards

Alan Galbraith