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Does Metoprolol Interact With Valsartan?
Question: I am taking valsartan for HBP (80mg most days but sometimes BP is so high I take an extra one maybe once or twice a week. I was told I have 5.9 potassium. My internist wants me to stay on Valsartan in the morning and take Metoprolol 25 mg hs. She said I could see my cardiologist about this. After I bought the Metoprolol yesterday and read the scary stuff about it and about it shouldn't be combined with valsartan, I wonder if I should go see my cardiologist instead of beginning the Metoprolol? What do you think? She told me to get on a low potassium diet and the lowest I got to was 5.6 and now the potassium is back up to 5.9. YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
this combination would cause a further increase in potassium
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Both of these medications can increase the level of potassium. With an already increased value, the use of the metoprolol will carry it up further.
A diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide, which would lower both the blood pressure and potassium levels may be a better option.
There is a combination blood pressure tablet called co diovan that is made up of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
If the diuretic cannot be used, there are other high blood pressure meds that can be used that would not further increase your potassium
Most persons with high blood pressure require more than one medication for control, some require 3 or more.
It may be best, as you stated, to see your cardiologist as soon as possible. If an early appointment is not available then you may need to see your internist prior to this to discuss other meds to control your blood pressure as soon as possible.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
this combination would cause a further increase in potassium
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Both of these medications can increase the level of potassium. With an already increased value, the use of the metoprolol will carry it up further.
A diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide, which would lower both the blood pressure and potassium levels may be a better option.
There is a combination blood pressure tablet called co diovan that is made up of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
If the diuretic cannot be used, there are other high blood pressure meds that can be used that would not further increase your potassium
Most persons with high blood pressure require more than one medication for control, some require 3 or more.
It may be best, as you stated, to see your cardiologist as soon as possible. If an early appointment is not available then you may need to see your internist prior to this to discuss other meds to control your blood pressure as soon as possible.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I forgot to mention that I am on Furosemide 20 mg. per day. I am also on Clopidogrel 75 mg. which I take every other day because I am allergic to aspirin. Since I am on that diuretic, does that change your recommendation? Thank you so very much.
Dr. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
My dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Did you get this follow-up question? You had recommended a diuretic to keep from increasing potassium but I am on Furosemide already along with valsartan. So I don't think your recommendation to add a diuretic works.
I will try to get in with my cardiologist and I will hold off on taking the Metopolol since you said that would increase my potassium.
Thank you for much for that information.
Cordially,
Dr. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dr. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
My dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Did you get this follow-up question? You had recommended a diuretic to keep from increasing potassium but I am on Furosemide already along with valsartan. So I don't think your recommendation to add a diuretic works.
I will try to get in with my cardiologist and I will hold off on taking the Metopolol since you said that would increase my potassium.
Thank you for much for that information.
Cordially,
Dr. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Brief Answer:
would not consider adding thiazide to the furosemide
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, the present use of the diuretic furosemide does change things, most persons are not prescribed 2 diuretics unless very fluid overloaded. Alternatively the furosemide can be switched to a thiazide unless there is a specific reason that you cannot use the thiazide and need the furosemide instead.
Thiazides has a longer anti hypertensive effect when compared to furosemide according to some med information though this is not seen in all persons.
Another anti hypertensive would need to be considered instead if this is not an option. Even if the switch occurs, you may still need another blood pressure med added for control
Medications such as amlodipine and that family can be considered.
The metoprolol use still needs to be reassessed because of the risk of further increasing your potassium level
Please feel free to ask anything else
would not consider adding thiazide to the furosemide
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, the present use of the diuretic furosemide does change things, most persons are not prescribed 2 diuretics unless very fluid overloaded. Alternatively the furosemide can be switched to a thiazide unless there is a specific reason that you cannot use the thiazide and need the furosemide instead.
Thiazides has a longer anti hypertensive effect when compared to furosemide according to some med information though this is not seen in all persons.
Another anti hypertensive would need to be considered instead if this is not an option. Even if the switch occurs, you may still need another blood pressure med added for control
Medications such as amlodipine and that family can be considered.
The metoprolol use still needs to be reassessed because of the risk of further increasing your potassium level
Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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