AboutDr. Tara Kompare, Pharm.D. Expertise I can answer a broad range of questions related to community pharmacy practice. My particular
interests include childrens` health and safe medication use for seniors. As the mother of two small children, I am quite knowledgable on many parenting issues from how to handle
a baby with colic to how to get kids to take their medicine. With regards to medication use in seniors, I can answer questions about adverse effects, drugs to generally avoid
in that population, and disease management issues.
Experience I entered the world of pharmacy as a technician for approximately six years. I then went on to receive my Doctor of Pharmacy degree and now work for the Federal Government as an outpatient pharmacist.
Publications Drug Topics Feb.2006 edition ("Why a Kiddie Corner Makes Sense"),
I also recently submitted an article to Pharmacy Times entitled "How to Help Parents Cope With Colic" which is scheduled for publication in the near future.
Education/Credentials B.S. Biology (Old Dominion University 1997)
Pharm.D.(Virginia Commonwealth University 2002)
Question QUESTION: Dear Dr. Kompare, I am 66 years old, have had an ileostomy 25 years. I have high blood pressure and BPH. I was on Atenolol 50 mg. daily and 3 mg Terazosin daily for these conditions. The Atenolol made me very tired and impotent. My Dr. switched me to Toprol XL, 50 mg. daily, am still taking Terazosin. MY blood pressure is 20 points higher now and I thought I saw a Toprol XL pill, undissolved, in my stool. I feel better on the Toprol, have been taking 30 days now, but do you feel this med is appropriate for me?
Thank you so Much, James
ANSWER: Hi James,
The Toprol XL is probably not the best drug for you. Since you found the tablet undissolved, this means it was never absorbed into your bloodstream and, hence, never exhibited its intended effects. So, I recommend you relay this information to your Dr. and he or she will most likely change you to a pill that is not and XL type tablet.
You probably feel better because you are off the atenolol but, as you stated, your blood pressure is still high so you are in need of another blood pressure medication with an immediate release mechanism. Luckily, there are lots of drugs to chose from so you and your Dr. should be able to find just the right one for you.
I hope this helps and wish you the best.
Regards,
Dr. Tara Kompare, Pharm.D.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks, since I felt better off the Atenolol, are there other meds out there for BP that doesn't make one feel so tired?
Answer Hi James,
Yes, there are many other options. Some can cause tiredness for the first few days or so but you and your Dr. should be able to find one that helps to lower your blood pressure without reducing your quality of life. Some other classes include ACE-Inhibitors like lisinopril or calcium channel blockers like Norvasc.
Best of luck to you,
Dr. Tara Kompare, Pharm.D.
www.themedicinemom.com
