Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Angiotensin II is a very potent
chemical that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby
narrowing the vessels. The narrowing of the vessels increases the pressure
within the vessels causing high blood pressure (hypertension). Angiotensin II is
formed from angiotensin I in the blood by the enzyme angiotensin converting
enzyme or ACE. ACE inhibitors are medications that slow (inhibit) the activity
of the enzyme ACE and decrease the production of angiotensin II. As a result,
blood vessels enlarge or dilate, and blood pressure is reduced. The lower blood
pressure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and can improve the
function of a failing heart. In addition, progression of the blood vessel
disease within the kidney caused by high blood pressure or diabetes is slowed.
The FDA approved captopril in April 1981.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 12.5, 25, 50, 100 mg
STORAGE: Captopril should be stored at room temperature, 15 to 30 C
(59 to 86 F) and away from moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Captopril is used alone or in combination with other
drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. Captopril also
is used for improving survival and preventing heart failure and hospitalizations
for heart failure after a heart attack. Like other ACE inhibitors, captopril may
slow the progression of kidney failure in patients with diabetes or high blood
pressure.
DOSING: The recommended dose of captopril is 25-150 mg two or three
times daily. The maximum dose is 450 mg daily. It should be taken on an empty
stomach one hour before or two hours after meals since absorption of captopril
is reduced when it is taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: The use of ACE inhibitors with potassium
supplements, salt substitutes or diuretics , for example, spironolactone
(Aldactone), that increase potassium in the blood may lead to excessive
potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Potassium levels should be monitored whenever ACE inhibitors
are used in combination with these drugs.
There have been reports of increased lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) levels when
lithium is used in combination with ACE inhibitors. The reason for this
interaction is not known, but the increased levels may lead to toxicity from
lithium.
There have been reports that aspirin and other
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren,
Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.), indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin-SR), and
naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) may reduce the effects of ACE
inhibitors.
Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss, dehydration, medication. Some of the renal causes of kidney failure are from sepsis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and acute glomerulonephritis. Post renal causes of kidney failure include bladder obstruction, prostate problems, tumors, or kidney stones. Treatment options included diet, medications, or dialysis.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A poor blood supply resulting from congestive heart failure may cause the body's organ systems to fail, leading to a weakened heart muscle and fluid accumulation in the lungs and body tissue. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and symptoms of congestive heart failure including fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling. Treatments include lifestyle modifications, medications, heart transplant, and therapy.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary
artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart attack can cause chest pain, heart failure, and electrical
instability of the heart.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body, leading to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma is also referred to as systemic sclerosis, and the cause is unknown. Treatment of scleroderma is directed toward the individual features that are most troubling to the patient.
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the diameter of the renal arteries. When the renal arteries narrow, the result is restricted blood flow to the kidneys, which may lead to impaired kidney function and high blood pressure (referred to as renovascular hypertension (RVHT). Renal artery stenosis can occur in one or both kidneys. The primary cause of renal artery stenosis is atherosclerosis. Risk factors for renal artery stenosis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, age, cigarette smoking, and diabetes. Symptoms of renal artery stenosis include high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment, severe high blood pressure in individuals younger than 30 or greater than 50 years of age. Renal artery stenosis is diagnosed with imaging and functional tests. Treatment for renal artery stenosis include medication or surgery.
Heart failure is caused by many conditions including coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and conditions that overwork the heart. Symptoms of heart failure include congested lungs, fluid and water retention, dizziness, fatigue and weakness, and rapid or irregular heartbeats.
Heart attacks are the major causes of unexpected, sudden death among men and women. A heart attack is also a significant cause of heart failure. Learn the risk factors for heart attack such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other heart conditions. Lowering your risk factor, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medication are the most effective way of preventing a heart attack.
Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some medications that have been found to cause no problems in pregnancy, however, medications such as Accutane for acne, should never be taken during pregnancy.
High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.
The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.
An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...
High Blood Pressure RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the