My mom(84) is on Lisinopril and Atenolol. Why should she be on 2 hypertension meds?

8 Sep 2011

When first beginning to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) usually a single medicine is tried first. If that medicine does not work sufficiently to lower the blood pressure the doctor has two options. Firstly the doctor could choose to increase the dose of the first medicine or secondly the doctor could choose to add a new medicine. The problem with increasing the dosage of the first is that it can increase the chance of the patient experiencing side effects. If side effects of the first medicine are an issue for the patient then it may be a better option for the doctor to consider adding a second anti-hypertensive drug.
Hope this helps.

8 Sep 2011

im thinking the doctor wonts whats best for your mother ... i take lisinopril.an my bp.is still high so im gona have to get another bp med also... its better to be safe than sorry

10 Sep 2011

11 Sep 2011

a reason for your mother to be on two antihypertensives may be b/c the first medication may not have decreased the blood pressure enough to be within normal range, depending on your mothers history and other medical issues that she has, they may have not wanted to increase the 1st antihypertensive because of something within her history and physical, also these two hypertensives are of two different classes, they work in the body different ways. if the blood pressure had gotten better with the first medication but not enough they would add a second medication that works in a different area to try to help the first medication work more efficently. there are multiple reasons to be on antihypertensives also, they are not just for hypertension but atenolol for example is used for other medical problems like prophylaxis for angina or myocardial infarction, it is even used for migraines at times. All in all it really depends on your mothers history, her blood pressure, and other factors when a doctor decides on a course of treatment.