heart failure from drug combination

[mischy]

Mother just started on Norvasc already on Tenormin.  Now I've heard there is a problem with the two drugs together causing heart failure.  Is that really happening?  Please my mother will stop Norvasc unneccassarily if I can't find out the real information about this.  She is limited on drug options so this is important.  Thanks so very much.

[DeeCee257]

I found this on the all experts - hypertension forum. According to the answer below - this treatment is appropriate......read on.

Expert: Charles Cusumano, FMP, PA-C
Date: 8/22/2005
Subject: Hypertension - Medication

Question
Dear Dr. Cusumano,

My question pertains to the possibility of combining the following two drugs: Tenormin; and Norvasc.

Currently, I take 100 mg Tenormin in a single dose. In fact, I have been taking this for the past 5 years. However, my blood pressure is still on the high side, i.e. 145 to 150 over 90 to 95, and I need to bring it further down.

I'm a male, 40 years of age. Unfortunately, I do not exercise regularly, though, I'm in good shape with no medical problems, and do feel great! It is worth mentioning that I'm not an MD but, a Ph.D.

I have consulted several MDs, who are good friends of mine, and got different views on the possibilities of adding a Calcium Channel Blocker, e.g. Norvasc, to the Beta Blocker (Tenormin) that I'm taking right now. One suggested adding 2.5 mg Norvasc to the 100 mg Tenormin; another thought it would be a good idea to reduce the tenormin to 50 mg and take 5 mg of Norvasc; and the third, suggested to gradually replace the tenormin by 5 mg Norvasc, and to be increased if needed, to 10 mg.

Having read so much about Hypertension and its medications, I'm inclined towards the second opinion, i.e. 50 mg tenormin in combination with 5 mg Norvasc. However, I don't have a problem with the first opinion. My problem is with the third; I prefer to keep taking Tenormin. I Think it is also important to say that I have no side effect problems from Tenormin.

I would appreciate your professional opinion, and I'll be glad to answer any question that you may have.

I thank you in advance and look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Dr. Abdulaziz Jarkas

Answer
Hi Dr. Jarkas,
It is not uncommon to combine drugs in an attempt to lower blood pressure. Sometimes as many as 4 drugs may be necessary.
The use of Tenormin and Norvasc is appropriate. Some calcium channel blockers can affect heart rate and are not indicated for use with beta blockers. Norvasc does not have that conflict. You also might ask about a low dose diuretic such as Hydrochlorothiazide provided there are no contraindication to its use with your health history.

[mischy]

Thanks so much for finding that.  Hopefully it will be enough to get her to give this a shot.  Her blood pressure spikes and I am very afraid of losing her one of these times.

[DeeCee257]

PS - I have taken both of these also and I am still here!  Good luck.