Tekturna is a drug used to control high blood pressure, while l-arginine is a supplement that is promoted for possible blood-pressure lowering benefits and as an erectile dysfunction aid. While lowering your blood pressure is desirable in some cases, too much of a drop can cause health problems and even death, according to the experts at MayoClinic.com. Consult a doctor before combining two substances that lower blood pressure.
Tekturna Identification
Tekturna is the brand name for a blood-pressure medication called aliskiren. Aliskiren is in a class of medicines called renin inhibitors. It decreases natural chemicals in your body that tighten your blood vessels. This relaxes your blood vessels, which allows your heart to pump blood more efficiently, according to PubMed Health.
L-Arginine Identification
L-arginine is available in supplement form and also is contained in foods including dairy products, nuts and red meat. L-arginine is a form of arginine, an amino acid. L-arginine has vasodilatory properties, meaning it can widen your arteries. Due to these properties it has a theoretical benefit for helping to lower your blood pressure. However, scientific evidence does not back this use of L-arginine, according to MayoClinic.com.
Interaction Risk
Since l-arginine has vasodilatory properties, it theoretically has an additive blood-pressure lowering effect if you take it along with blood-pressure medication, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Blood pressure that falls too low can lead to weakness and dizziness and raises risk of injury from falls due to fainting. Symptoms of low blood pressure, or hypotension, also include sleepiness, confusion and blurry vision. If your blood pressure gets too low your body will not have enough oxygen for normal functions, which can cause heart and brain damage.
Considerations
If your doctor prescribes Tekturna, inform him of any supplements you take, including l-arginine. Use this combination only under medical supervision and have your blood pressure monitored regularly, advises Alan P. Agins, author of the “American Dietetic Association Quick Guide to Drug-Supplement Interactions.” Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage for Tekturna if you take it along with l-arginine.
References
- PubMed Health: Aliskiren
- Mayo Clinic: L-Arginine: Does It Lower Blood Pressure?
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Arginine
- Mayo Clinic: Low Blood Pressure Complications
- PubMed Health: Hypotension
- ADA Quick Guide to Drug-Supplement Interactions; Alan P. Agins, Ph.D.
- Mayo Clinic: Low Blood Pressure Definition
- Drugs.com: L-Arginine
Member Comments