Angiotensin Receptor Blocker
Angiotensin II, produced within the body, tends to narrow your blood vessels thereby increasing blood pressure. It also leads to a subsequent increase in the amount of water and sodium in the body. Over time, the walls of the heart and blood vessels thicken.
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are druges that block the action of the angiotensin II. These ARBs widen the blood vessels and reduce the water retained within the body. The action of the angiotensin II receptor blockers is similar to that of the ACE inhibitors. They are prescribed for persons suffering high blood pressure. ARBs are also prescribed for chronic kidney disease and heart failure. But they might lead to side-effects such as dizziness and headache and pain in the legs and back. Women who are pregnant or planning to have a baby must avoid ARBs as they can cause birth defects.
ESR blood test
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) blood test is used to measure the distance that RBCs settle in unclotted blood. Blood sample is monitored for an hour in a specially-marked test tube. The levels of ESR indicate any inflammatory or malignant disease. This test is often used to diagnose rheumatologic ailments, tuberculois or tissue necrosis. Elevated levels of blood ESR may be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, kidney disease, syphilis or tuberculosis. Pregnancy, infection and old age can bring about elevated levels of blood ESR. Extremely low levels of ESR may suggest sickle cell anemia, hypofibrinogenemia, CHF or hyperviscocity. ESR is a non-specific inflammation marker and may need to be supported with other diagnostic tests for medical decisions. ESR blood test is often suggested along with CRP blood test to check for arthritis since they both check for proteins associated with inflammation.
potassium gluconate
Indication
This is a potassium supplement useful in those prone to low blood potassium.
Side effects
Numbness and tingling of the extremities, confusion, weakness, arrhythmias, ECG changes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, GI ulcerations, GI bleeding, intestinal obstruction, and intestinal perforation.
Interactions and precautions
1. Should not be used in cases of severe kidney disease, acute dehydration, or those who are using potassium sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone, triamterene).
2. Enteric coated potassium tablets cannot be recommended due to increased risk of GI bleeding and ulceration.
3. Minimise GI symptoms by taking this medication with food.
Usual dose
Adult and adolescent: oral, elixir, 10-20 mEq of potassium diluted in one-half glass of cold water or juice, two to four times a day; or 5-10 mEq potassium in tablet form, two to four times a day; dosage adjusted to need (up to 100 mEq potassium per day). Paediatrics: individualized per physician.
Bibliography / Reference
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