Taking two different blood pressure tablets each day - when best to take them?

[Robbie1964]

I am struggling to get my blood pressure under control and my GP has prescribed an additional blood pressure tablet each day. I have been taking Lisinopril 20mg and Bisoprolol 1.25mg. I take these each morning at around 6am.

My GP has now asked me to start taking Lercanidipine 10mg each day as my blood pressure is still too high. My GP said to take the 2 blood pressure tablets at different times of the day, the Lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) in the morning as usual and the Lercanidipine a calcium channel blocker) later in the day. I've started to take the Lercanidipine at 6pm, 12 hours after the Lisinopril.

Is there anyone else who takes two different types of blood pressure medication (plus a beta-blocker) each day? If so, how far apart do you space out the two blood pressure tablets? Plus are they both effective in lowering your blood pressure?

I can't increase the Bisoprolol to help lower my blood pressure as increasing it to 2.5mg slows my heart rate down to below 55 and sometimes below 50 plus I start to get a fluttery heart. At 1.25mg my heart rate is a more steady 60-70 with no problems.

[lettingoffsteam]

I take ramipril, amlodipine and propranolol in the morning and another propranolol at 4pm...works for me.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I take Lisinopril and Bisoprolol both in the morning but my doses are 2.5mg and 1.25mg the minimum for each. At one time I was on Lisinopril and Amlodipine (another CCI) again both in the morning.

There is a lot of discussion as to the best time of day to take BP medication. Dual therapies are increasingly common as two modes of action usually give better control. I would tend to go with tour GP's advice but it maybe worth running past your pharmacist as they are usually more experienced.

[MickP1000]

I take 4 BP tablets plus beta blockers. To be honest I take them all at once in the morning as their effect seems to work throughout the day and my BP is well controlled. I see the logic in taking some in the evening though and would take your GPs advice. It’s what works for you. I find lercanidipene very effective

[wanderingmariner]

Hi, yes I take my 10mg Ramipril before bed and then my other three meds first thing in the morning.

[Popoff]

Sometimes it helps to take blood pressure medications at bed time. Or at least one of the two medications could be taken at night and the other in the morning. Good luck and hope that this could work for you.

[Mike-tyson]

I am taking Bisoprolol 5mg twice per day and Degoxin 187mg at night before bed. That is to slow my heart rate down and make it more regular. I am sure I get fatigue and day time tiredness from the Bisoprolol but it’s doing the job to give me heart rate around 70bpm and a more steady heart rate. But my doctor won’t change my medication as it is being decided by a Cardiology specialist at Stoke hospital ? 😡😡

[Sue-Ann11]

I only take one tablet for blood pressure but read it’s best to take it before bed.

[Robbie1964]

Thanks for the answers. I've followed what my GP suggested and am taking Lisinopril on a morning (around 6am) and the Lercanidipine at about 6pm. Early results are promising with my blood pressure reduced to below 130/80 after just a couple of days (it was averaging about 140/85 last week) so fingers crossed it continues to work. Ideally I would like it down further to 120/80 and I've made some lifestyle changes which will hopefully help.