I have hugh blood pressure, is there a generic angiotensin II receptor antagonists? Like Benicar?

Question

I want the $4 Prescription at Walmart or Target. Is there a generic version of angiotensin II receptor antagonists?

Like Benicar?

Answer 1

You could just go for an ACE inhibitor instead.  They essentially do the same thing, just at different times in the process.  ACE converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II (the active peptide).  Inhibiting ACE inhibits angiotensin II.  Lisinopril is $4 at Walmart.

Edit:  There are side effects with any drug that works.  Were they serious?  If they were, then that would explain the prescribing of the angiotensin II inhibitor.  Have you tried a simple diuretic.  This combined with a change in diet (limit salt intake and cut back on fats), and some moderate exercise can lower BP significantly.

Answer 2

Those angiotension receptor blockers may not be what they are cracked up to be.

If you want to go a cheap route, and still have effective therapy (and your doctor finds no objections) then a selective Beta blocker like Sectral that does not get into the brain along with a thiazide diuretic often helps many, and is proven to reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke.

There was a study a few years ago comparing drugs like lisinopril with the newer angiotensin blockers in heart patients, they had to stop the study early as too many people died in the second group.  In theory they should have been equivalent but in practice it did not pan out.

See the Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy (now available for free online). Remember it is published by a drug company, but it has a really good summary review of the classes of drugs used in hypertension.

Answer 3

If you call your Wal-Mart pharmacist and ask, he/she will give you some good information.  They are very helpful.  Whatever you do, keep your blood pressure under control to protect your heart, kidneys, and to prevent a stroke.

My best wishes

Answer 4

There are no antagonists available generically. There are other brand name antagonists-Cozaar, Diovan--but these too are expensive.There are many generic angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors available. I'm sure your doctor can find one that you can tolerate. All of the following are available generically: Accupril, Altace, Monopril,Lotensin, Vasotec. These are all similar to Lisinopril but you may not experience the same side effects as with Lisinopril.