Lisinopril/Diovan [Archive]

barbarac

07-13-2009, 04:23 PM

type2in NY

07-13-2009, 05:16 PM

I was taking Lisinopril for an ace inhibitor. Have that chronic, irritating cough. So today he switched it to Diovan (320 mg). Will that help protect the kidneys like an ace inhibitor?

I think he has me on way too much BP medicine. If there is anyone out there who knows a lot about blood pressure meds. I would like to talk to you. Think I need help. Tried to go to a new Dr. but that didn't work out either. Help please.

No personal experience but this link seems to be what you might want to read:

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) - drug class, medical uses, medication side effects, and drug interactions by MedicineNet.com (http://www.medicinenet.com/angiotensin_ii_receptor_blockers/article.htm)

barbarac

07-13-2009, 10:19 PM

Thanks for the information. I had gone to one site and didn't understand it, that is why I asked here. This was much better. A big help and had the information I needed.

type2in NY

07-14-2009, 08:57 AM

NP

I am proficient with Google, can find answers to almost anything in seconds.
:D

GretchO

07-14-2009, 10:25 AM

I'm currently on Diovan, was on Lisinopril (but got the cough). ARBs do basically the same thing as ACE inhibitors, just a different mechanism.

It Ain't Over

07-14-2009, 11:05 AM

I was taking an ACE inhibitor, it made me cough so the Endo switched me to the ARB Diovan. I asked what the difference is? He said basically one stops the production of the enzyme they want to control and the other blocks it from the cells. An ARB is an Angiostensin Receptor Blocker. This was a few years ago, he said the early reports were that the ARB's may be as good at protecting the arteries and heart as the ACE inhibitors. Said there was some evidence they were superior.
Have not thougth to ask if that has been confirmed. Just keep taking the Rx.
He said with patients that do not have high blood pressure he always goes with Diovan as it will not lower bp too much.

pdxdennisj

07-15-2009, 07:54 AM

Thw research that turned up Lisinopril as a kidney protector was specific as to that particular drug. My lipid Doc advised me that it is likely that the other "pril" drugs would act in a similar manner. My guess that any other Ace inhibitor would not have this effect.

morrisma

07-15-2009, 08:30 AM

I got the lisinopril cough as well and was also switched to Diovan. My understanding is the results are what is important, not the drug. If your BP is ok, then Diovan works for you and your kidneys are protected from the effects of high BP. If not, you need a higher dose (I think 320 is pretty high but not sure) or a different drug.

Diovan has been working pretty well for my but with stress over jobs and kids and whatnot, it may be losing it's effectiveness and I may be moving up to a new stronger med soon.
Mike