Taking Synthroid. Has High BP. Taking Norvast. How Much Norvast Can Be Taken In 24 Hours Of Time?

Posted on Tue, 9 Jul 2013

Question: My mother is 75, in fairly good health, and only takes Synthroid. Over the last 6 months, her BP has gone up pretty high (200/170) 3 different times, with no apparent reason. The first 2 times we took her to the ER, and she now keeps Norvast 5 mg at home. Yesterday her BP shot up again, so at 6 pm she took a half Norvast (2.5 mg). She slept fine, but her BP was 184/151 this morning, and the lowest it has been is 131/79 so far today. She took another half Norvast at 5:30 am, but it doesn't seem to be taking the BP down. My question is, should she take another half Norvast now, or wait until 6 pm, which would be the 24 hours since taking it the first time? How much Norvast is safe to take in a 24 hour period?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (1 hour later)

Hello,

The reason for such uncontrolled blood pressure might be due to hypothyroidism.
Your mother may need dose adjustment of thyroxine(Synthroid).
But this dose adjustment be done based on her thyroid function test.

In elderly patients the recommended dose of Amlodipine is 2.5 mg once daily.
If the blood pressure is not controlled with it than another group of Antihypertensive drug can be used in combination.

It is not advisable to repeat another 2.5mg of Amlodipine now.

Hope the answer helps you.
Pleased to answer other queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (1 hour later)

Thank you for that information.

Mom's potassium level also became quite elevated recently, and she was able to bring it back down by simply drinking a lot of water. I am just wondering if that level being high can cause the high BP as well? The last trip to the ER was during the time that her potassium level went up high. Do you see any association with these two symptoms? She does have her thyroid tested about once every 3 months, just to keep it in check, and I believe that level is fine at the present time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (5 hours later)

Hello,

Hyperkalemia(High levels of potassium) is due to kidney disease.
This show the extent of renal damage.

Hyperkalemia may not produce hypertension.
It produces weakness, arrhythmias and slow heart rate.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (4 days later)

After getting her test results back, it shows normal heart and kidney function. Are there any other reasons why her potassium would have been so high?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (1 hour later)

Hello,

A report of high potassium isn't true hyperkalemia.
Instead it may be caused by rupture of blood cells in the blood samples during or shortly after the blood drawn.

This is the most common reason.

There are some other reasons for which you may screen you mother like

1. Addison's disease(Adrenal failure)

2. Heavy drugs used that causes the muscle fibers to break down and release the potassium in the blood stream.

3. ACE inhibitors.

4. Excessive use of potassium supplements.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar