Amlodipine and losartan side effects
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Side Effects of Amlodipine and Losartan: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction to Amlodipine and Losartan
Amlodipine and losartan are commonly prescribed medications for managing hypertension. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, while losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Both drugs are effective in lowering blood pressure, but they have different mechanisms of action and side effect profiles.
Common Side Effects of Amlodipine
Edema and Swollen Ankles
One of the most frequently reported side effects of amlodipine is peripheral edema, particularly swollen ankles. This side effect was significantly more common in patients treated with amlodipine compared to those treated with losartan 4510. The incidence of swollen ankles was notably higher in the amlodipine group, affecting up to 10% of patients .
Dizziness and Hypotension
Amlodipine can also cause dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly. This side effect is less common but still noteworthy. In comparative studies, dizziness was reported more frequently in patients taking amlodipine than in those taking losartan .
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of amlodipine include headaches, flushing, and palpitations. These are generally mild but can be bothersome for some patients .
Common Side Effects of Losartan
Dizziness and Orthostatic Hypotension
Losartan can cause dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly, similar to amlodipine. However, this side effect is generally less common in losartan-treated patients compared to those on amlodipine 45.
Renal Effects
Losartan has been shown to have beneficial effects on renal function, particularly in patients with diabetic nephropathy or chronic kidney disease. However, it can also cause changes in renal hemodynamics, which may lead to increased serum creatinine levels in some patients 123.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects of losartan include fatigue, nasal congestion, and back pain. These are generally mild and less frequent compared to the side effects associated with amlodipine .
Comparative Tolerability
Withdrawal Rates and Adverse Events
Studies have shown that the incidence of drug-related adverse events and the number of patients withdrawn from therapy were higher with amlodipine than with losartan 45. This suggests that losartan may be better tolerated overall.
Quality of Life
In terms of quality of life, patients treated with losartan reported fewer side effects and better overall well-being compared to those treated with amlodipine . This was assessed using the Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) index, which showed improvements in some domains for the losartan groups, whereas it remained unchanged for the amlodipine group .
Conclusion
Both amlodipine and losartan are effective antihypertensive agents, but they have different side effect profiles. Amlodipine is more likely to cause peripheral edema and dizziness, while losartan is associated with fewer adverse events and better overall tolerability. When choosing between these medications, healthcare providers should consider the side effect profiles and individual patient needs to optimize treatment outcomes.
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