Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 8/20/2009

Question
Hi! I have started on Biduret L (Amoliride Hydrochloride and Hydrochlorothiazide)4 days ago. My BP was ranging between 140-178/92-112. For the past few days I notice I get dizzy and tired very easily. F.ex. washing my hair and keeping my hands above my head, walking uphill and so on. It did say on the package that dizziness is one possible side effect, should I expect the symptoms to subside if I keep on the medicine? My BP is now varying between 116-142/87-112. It appears to me that the medicine is working more on the systolic pressure but the dialytic pressure is the one I especially need to get down, is this because I have only been on the med for 4 days?
Thank you very much for your help and time!

Answer
Hi Virva,
From your letter I note that your BP does come down to 92, this means that your diastolic BP is under control, and that too withi four days. It is dangerous for the body if the BP comes down suddenly, it should be brought down slowly. I think there is no problem with your medication. Side effects are always more severe during he first few days of treatment aand they normally go down. So I would suggest that you wait for a few days before contemplating a change. The side effects you are experiencing are the expected ones and there is no cause of concern. Yet if these persist for more than two weeks do contact me.
Ravi
Ravi Ghooi