What are the common side effects of Centrum Performance oral. How can Centrum affect blood pressure. What rare side effects should users be aware of. How to use Centrum safely and effectively.

Common Side Effects of Centrum Performance Oral

Centrum Performance oral, a popular multivitamin supplement, can cause various side effects in some individuals. While many people tolerate it well, it’s essential to be aware of potential adverse reactions. The most common side effect reported is difficulty sleeping, which tends to have a less severe expression.

Sleep Disturbances

Why might Centrum cause sleep issues? The supplement contains B vitamins, which can boost energy levels. Taking Centrum too close to bedtime may interfere with your natural sleep cycle. To mitigate this effect, consider taking the supplement earlier in the day.

Blood Pressure Concerns: What You Need to Know

One of the infrequent but potentially severe side effects associated with Centrum Performance oral is low blood pressure. This raises important questions about the supplement’s impact on cardiovascular health.

Low Blood Pressure Risk

How does Centrum potentially affect blood pressure? The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it may be related to the supplement’s mineral content. Some minerals, like potassium and magnesium, can influence blood pressure regulation. If you have a history of blood pressure issues, consult your healthcare provider before starting Centrum.

Monitoring Blood Pressure

Should you monitor your blood pressure while taking Centrum? If you’re concerned about potential effects, it’s wise to keep track of your blood pressure. Regular home monitoring or check-ups with your doctor can help identify any significant changes.

Rare but Serious Side Effects to Watch For

While uncommon, Centrum Performance oral has been associated with some rare but severe side effects. These include:

• Bronchospastic lung disease
• Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
• Ventricular arrhythmias
• High blood pressure
• Inflammation of blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe skin disorder)
• Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to remember that while these side effects are possible, they are extremely rare.

Gastrointestinal Effects: Understanding Digestive Impacts

Centrum Performance oral can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort. These effects are generally less severe but can be bothersome for some users.

Common Digestive Issues

What digestive side effects might occur with Centrum use? Some individuals report:

• Irritation of the stomach or intestines
• Nausea
• Gas
• Abdominal bloating
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

These symptoms often resolve as your body adjusts to the supplement. Taking Centrum with food may help alleviate some of these issues.

Neurological and Psychological Effects

Centrum Performance oral can occasionally impact the nervous system and mental state. While these effects are generally infrequent, they’re worth noting.

Potential Neurological Symptoms

What neurological side effects have been reported with Centrum use? Some users have experienced:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Sensation of spinning or whirling
• Difficulty concentrating

Psychological Impacts

Can Centrum affect mood and mental state? In rare cases, users have reported:

• Anxious feelings
• Depression
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Over excitement
• Euphoria (an extreme sense of wellbeing)

If you notice significant changes in your mood or mental state while taking Centrum, consult your healthcare provider.

Safe Usage Guidelines: Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Risks

To ensure safe and effective use of Centrum Performance oral, follow these guidelines:

1. Adhere to recommended dosages
2. Take the supplement on an empty stomach, if possible
3. Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking the supplement
4. Do not crush or chew delayed-release or extended-release formulations
5. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours of the supplement

Special Considerations

Are there any special precautions for certain groups? Pregnant women, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before starting Centrum. The supplement contains iron, which can be dangerous in large doses, especially for children.

Interactions and Contraindications: What to Avoid

Understanding potential interactions between Centrum and other substances is crucial for safe usage.

Drug Interactions

Can Centrum interact with medications? Yes, it may interact with certain drugs, including:

• Antibiotics
• Thyroid medications
• Blood thinners
• Bisphosphonates (used for osteoporosis)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking.

Food and Beverage Interactions

What foods or drinks might interfere with Centrum absorption? As mentioned earlier, dairy products, tea, and coffee can decrease the supplement’s effectiveness if taken too close together. Additionally, high-fiber foods may reduce the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.

Long-term Use: Benefits and Considerations

While Centrum Performance oral can be beneficial for addressing vitamin and mineral deficiencies, it’s important to consider the implications of long-term use.

Potential Benefits

What are the advantages of long-term Centrum use? Regular supplementation may help:

• Prevent nutrient deficiencies
• Support overall health and well-being
• Boost immune function
• Promote healthy aging

Considerations for Extended Use

Are there any risks associated with long-term Centrum use? While generally safe, prolonged use of high-dose supplements may lead to:

• Accumulation of certain vitamins or minerals
• Potential interactions with medications or health conditions
• Masking of underlying nutritional deficiencies

Regular check-ups and blood tests can help monitor nutrient levels and ensure the supplement remains appropriate for your needs.

Alternatives to Centrum: Exploring Other Options

While Centrum Performance oral is a popular choice, it’s not the only option for addressing nutritional needs.

Other Multivitamin Brands

What are some alternatives to Centrum? Other reputable multivitamin brands include:

• One A Day
• Nature Made
• Garden of Life
• Rainbow Light
• New Chapter

Each brand offers different formulations and may be more suitable for specific needs or preferences.

Whole Food Alternatives

Can you get the same nutrients from food sources? Absolutely. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide most essential nutrients. Some nutrient-dense foods include:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards)
• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• Nuts and seeds
• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)

While supplements can be beneficial, they should not replace a healthy diet.

Understanding Nutrient Interactions: Maximizing Absorption

The effectiveness of Centrum Performance oral depends not only on its ingredients but also on how well your body absorbs them.

Synergistic Nutrients

Which nutrients work well together? Some beneficial nutrient pairs include:

• Vitamin D and Calcium (for bone health)
• Vitamin C and Iron (for better iron absorption)
• Vitamin K and Vitamin D (for calcium metabolism)

Centrum’s formulation takes these synergies into account, but understanding them can help you make informed decisions about your overall diet and supplementation strategy.

Competing Nutrients

Are there nutrients that compete for absorption? Yes, some nutrients can interfere with the absorption of others. For example:

• Calcium can inhibit iron absorption
• Zinc and copper compete for absorption
• High doses of vitamin C can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption

This is why it’s crucial to follow dosage instructions and consult with a healthcare provider about your specific nutritional needs.

Customizing Your Supplement Regimen: Beyond One-Size-Fits-All

While Centrum Performance oral is designed to meet general nutritional needs, individual requirements can vary significantly.

Factors Influencing Nutrient Needs

What factors affect your specific nutrient requirements? Several aspects can influence your nutritional needs, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Diet
• Lifestyle (e.g., physical activity level)
• Health conditions
• Medications
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding status

Tailoring Your Approach

How can you customize your supplement regimen? Consider these steps:

1. Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian
2. Get appropriate blood tests to identify specific deficiencies
3. Consider your diet and lifestyle
4. Explore targeted supplements for specific needs (e.g., omega-3s for heart health)
5. Regularly reassess your needs as they may change over time

Remember, what works best for one person may not be ideal for another. Personalization is key to maximizing the benefits of supplementation while minimizing potential risks.

The Role of Centrum in Overall Health: A Balanced Perspective

While Centrum Performance oral can play a valuable role in supporting nutritional needs, it’s important to view it as part of a broader health strategy.

Supplement as Support, Not Replacement

How should Centrum fit into your overall health plan? Consider it a supplement to, not a replacement for, healthy lifestyle choices. Key aspects of a holistic approach include:

• A balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate sleep
• Stress management
• Regular health check-ups

Centrum can help fill nutritional gaps, but it’s most effective when combined with these foundational health practices.

Monitoring and Adjusting

Is it necessary to reassess your supplement needs over time? Absolutely. Your nutritional requirements may change due to factors like:

• Aging
• Changes in health status
• Dietary modifications
• Lifestyle changes

Regular consultations with healthcare providers and periodic nutritional assessments can help ensure that your supplement regimen, including Centrum, continues to meet your evolving needs.

Future of Nutritional Supplementation: Trends and Innovations

As our understanding of nutrition and health evolves, so does the landscape of nutritional supplementation. What might the future hold for products like Centrum Performance oral?

Emerging Trends

What are some current trends in nutritional supplementation? Several exciting developments are shaping the industry:

• Personalized nutrition based on genetic testing
• Microbiome-focused supplements
• Sustainable and plant-based formulations
• Advanced delivery systems for better absorption
• Integration of technology for tracking and optimization

These trends may influence how products like Centrum are formulated and used in the future.

Potential Innovations

What innovations might we see in multivitamin supplements? Some possibilities include:

• Nanotechnology for enhanced nutrient delivery
• Customizable supplement packs based on individual needs
• Integration with wearable health devices for real-time nutritional recommendations
• Bioengineered nutrients for improved bioavailability
• 3D-printed supplements tailored to individual requirements

While these innovations are exciting, it’s important to approach new technologies with a balance of enthusiasm and caution, always prioritizing safety and efficacy.

As we look to the future of nutritional supplementation, products like Centrum Performance oral will likely continue to evolve, offering more targeted and personalized solutions for supporting overall health and well-being. However, the fundamental principles of balanced nutrition, informed usage, and individualized care will remain crucial in maximizing the benefits of these supplements while minimizing potential risks.

Common and Rare Side Effects for Centrum Performance oral

COMMON side effects

If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i

Sorry, we have no data available. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i

INFREQUENT side effects

If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i

If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i

RARE side effects

If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i

If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression i

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Centrum Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Warnings:

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, get medical help right away or call a poison control center.

Warnings:

Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years. Keep this product out of reach of children. If overdose does occur, get medical help right away or call a poison control center.

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Uses

This medication is a multivitamin and iron product used to treat or prevent vitamin deficiency due to poor diet, certain illnesses, or during pregnancy. Vitamins and iron are important building blocks of the body and help keep you in good health.

How to use Centrum oral

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dosage. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medication with food. Avoid taking antacids, dairy products, tea, or coffee within 2 hours before or after this medication because they may decrease its effectiveness. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking the tablets or capsules. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details for your particular brand.

If you are taking the delayed-release form or extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew delayed-release or extended-release products. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects and decreasing absorption. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Side Effects

Constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach may occur. These effects are usually temporary and may disappear as your body adjusts to this medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Iron may cause your stools to turn black, an effect that is not harmful.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: iron overload disorder (such as hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis), use/abuse of alcohol, liver problems, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcer, colitis).

If your brand of multivitamin also contains folic acid, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia) before taking it. Folic acid may affect certain laboratory tests for vitamin B12 deficiency without treating this anemia. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency may result in serious nerve problems (such as peripheral neuropathy). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

See also How To Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

This product can decrease the absorption of other drugs such as bisphosphonates (for example, alendronate), levodopa, penicillamine, quinolone antibiotics (for example, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), thyroid medications (for example, levothyroxine), and tetracycline antibiotics (for example, doxycycline, minocycline). Separate your doses of these medications as far as possible from your doses of this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how long you should wait between doses and for help finding a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

If your brand of multivitamin also contains folic acid, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take certain anti-seizure drugs (such as hydantoins such as phenytoin).

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Centrum oral interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication, do not share it with others.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Some brands may also contain ingredients such as docusate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the ingredients in your brand.

This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. Remember that it is best to get your vitamins and minerals from healthy foods. Maintain a well-balanced diet and follow any dietary guidelines as directed by your doctor.

If you are taking this product on a prescribed schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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Provided by Lexicomp ^® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

What is this drug used for?

• Used to reduce body weight.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

• If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
• If you have any of the following health problems: blood vessel disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, nervousness, anxiety, or tension, an overactive thyroid, structural heart disease, or other heart disease.
• If you have ever had a drug/drug addiction.
• If you have high pressure in your lungs.
• If you have taken medications for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the past 14 days. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. An episode of very high blood pressure may occur.
• If you are taking any of the following drugs: linezolid or methylene blue.
• If you are taking another weight loss drug or have taken such a drug within the past year.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

• Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
• Avoid driving and other activities that require increased attention until you see how this drug affects you.
• If you have been taking this drug for several weeks, talk to your doctor before stopping it. It may be best to gradually stop taking this medicine.
• Check with your doctor before using alcohol, marijuana or other forms of cannabis, or prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can slow you down.
• Measure your blood pressure and heart rate as instructed by your doctor.
• People who take weight loss drugs may have an increased risk of increased pulmonary pressure. This rarely happens, however, as a rule, this phenomenon is fatal. Consult your doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes) and are taking medication to lower your blood sugar, talk to your doctor. Losing weight can increase the chance of low blood sugar if you are taking medication to lower blood sugar. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, headache, drowsiness, feeling faint, trembling, tachycardia, confusion, hunger, or sweating.
• If you are being treated for high blood pressure, please consult your doctor. Weight loss may increase the chance of low blood pressure in people being treated for high blood pressure. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of low blood pressure, such as severe dizziness or fainting.
• If this drug is taken for a long time or at high doses, its effectiveness may be reduced and a higher dose may be needed to achieve the same effect. The so-called tolerance to the drug develops. Talk to your doctor if this drug stops working as you want. Do not take the drug in higher doses than prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not take this drug for longer than the length of time your doctor has prescribed.
• This drug may be habit-forming; prolonged use should be avoided. Tell your doctor if you have had a drug or alcohol problem.
• This drug can cause dangerous heart-related side effects. Tell your doctor if you suffer from heart disease.
• Some patients may need to have tests to check their heart function while taking this drug. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
• This drug may increase the risk of seizures in some people, including people who have had seizures in the past. Talk to your doctor to find out if your risk of seizures is increased with this drug.
• Stick to the diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor.
• Do not give this drug to a child under 17 years of age.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for you and your child will need to be discussed.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Signs of high blood pressure, such as a very severe headache, or dizziness, or loss of consciousness, or blurred vision.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, difficulty speaking or thinking, problems with balance, sagging on one side of the face, or blurred vision.
• Pain or pressure in the chest.
• Increased or abnormal heart rhythm.
• Changes in behavior.
• Depression and other mood disorders.
• Hallucinations (a person sees or hears something that is not in reality).
• Vision change.
• Inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Change in sex drive.
• fever, chills, sore throat; the appearance of bruising and bleeding for unexplained reasons; pronounced feeling of tiredness or weakness.
• Seizures.
• Dyspnea.
• Swelling of the hands or feet.
• With problems in controlling body movements.
• Enlarged breasts in men.
• Menstrual pain.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Talk to your doctor or get medical help if these or any other side effects bother you or don’t go away:

• Feeling dizzy, drowsy, tired or weak.
• Nervous tension and agitation.
• Dry mouth.
• Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
• Sleep disorders.
• Violation of taste perception. This,
• Headache.
• Anxiety.
• Shiver.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

Immediate release tablets:

• Take this medication 1 hour before meals.
• Take your last daily dose at least 4 hours before bedtime.
• Keep taking this drug as instructed by your doctor or other health care professional, even if you feel well.

Extended release tablets:

• Take at 9 am.
• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break or crush.
• Keep taking this drug as instructed by your doctor or other health care professional, even if you feel well.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you can.
• If it’s time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose and then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep out of the heat.
• The lid must be tightly closed.
• Keep this medicine in a protected place out of sight and reach of children and out of the reach of other people. A box or room that is locked with a key can act as a secure storage place for the drug. Keep all medicines out of the reach of pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

• If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
• Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
• Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have any questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
• Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
• If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last revision date

2020-08-04

Copyright

© UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors, 2023. All rights reserved.

Date last updated

Monday, December 12, 2022

SENTOR: men with hypertension are healthier, their women are happier

Today, in the UK alone, 35% of men and 28% of women are diagnosed with hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg Art.). At the same time, 59% of men and 44% of women with this disease do not undergo antihypertensive therapy (British Heart Foundation, 2007).

In the United States, a large number of people of both sexes have arterial hypertension before they reach the age of 45, and over time, the risk of developing hypertension increases in direct proportion. So, for example, if among men aged 20–34 years, hypertension was noted in 11.2%, then after 35 years their number doubled, and after 65 years it was 63.6% (NCHS and NHLBI, 2007). However, the significance of arterial hypertension would not be so great if it were not for the high probability of increased cardiovascular risks in patients with this disease.

Despite the fact that people have relatively recently learned both about the existence of blood pressure itself and how to measure it, ways to reduce it have been known for more than 2 thousand years ago. And all this time, humanity has not stopped looking for new ways to deal with arterial hypertension and its consequences…

The first drugs for the treatment of arterial hypertension began to be used in medical practice a little over half a century ago. The first were reserpine preparations, then they began to use combined drugs, including reserpine derivatives and diuretics. Later, other classes of antihypertensive drugs began to appear: blockers, calcium antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, etc.

However, in addition to lowering blood pressure, these drugs had another side: some caused drowsiness, depression, nasal congestion, others, by reducing blood pressure, also contributed to the removal of substances important for the work of the heart from the body, still others caused an increase in body weight, and fourth – cough or memory disorders.

Of course, there was a need for a drug that would be as effective as the existing ones, but at the same time would not lead to the development of all these side effects and would not reduce the quality of life of patients. AT 90s of the XX century. a completely new group of antihypertensive drugs appeared – selective blockers of the first type of angiotensin II receptors (ARBs). Its first representative was losartan , which is presented on the Ukrainian market by the Hungarian company “Richter Gedeon” under the trademark SENTOR.

Losartan is the most studied drug in this group, has a long-lasting effect (more than 24 hours), has a smooth daily blood pressure profile, and is well tolerated (the incidence of side effects in clinical studies was comparable to placebo). Another distinctive property of losartan is its ability to remove uric acid and reduce its level in blood serum, which may be important in the treatment of patients with purine metabolism disorders or to neutralize the negative effect of diuretics.

Single use of SENTOR reduces blood pressure after 6 hours, and its maximum hypotensive effect develops 3-6 weeks after the start of the drug. The effect of the drug lasts for 24 hours, so it is necessary to remind patients that they need to take it only 1 time per day.

It is clear that patients are interested in how effective SENTOR is compared to other drugs they are accustomed to using to lower blood pressure, and is it safe, does it negatively affect quality of life? Of course, you need to be able to answer all these questions. Therefore, we will understand everything in order.

So, of no small importance is the fact that the hypotensive effect of losartan is comparable to that of drugs from other groups. For example, losartan 50 mg once daily is as effective as felodipine 5–10 mg, enalapril 10–40 mg, and atenolol 50–100 mg, and at 50–100 mg losartan is superior to captopril (Goldberg A.I., Dunlay M.C., Sweet C. S., 1995). The results of the LIFE study, which was conducted for 4 years, also showed that losartan prevents the development of cardiovascular complications more effectively than atenolol, which is habitual for patients with arterial hypertension (Dahlof B., Devereux R.B., Kjeldsen S.E. et al., 2002).

The advantage of losartan, which is part of the drug SENTOR, over other antihypertensive drugs is also its excellent tolerance – side effects in patients (15.3%) who took this drug, compared with drugs from other groups, turned out to be significantly lower: 24.7% for inhibitors ACE, 26.5% for β-adrenergic blockers and 23.3% for calcium antagonists (Goldberg A.I., Dunlay M.C., Sweet C.S., 1995).

These antihypertensive drugs are designed for continuous daily use. That is why for those who take them, how they affect the quality of life and whether they are convenient to use is also of great importance. Moreover, with age, the quality of a person’s life already decreases: memory worsens, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness appear, the work of the heart and other vital organs is disturbed.

While the use of some diuretic drugs leads to a decrease in sexual function and libido in men, lipophilic β-adrenergic blockers can cause depression and cognitive decline. And to such traditionally widely prescribed drugs as ACE inhibitors, intolerance was noted in every fourth patient worldwide (Macaulay T.E., Dunn S.P., 2007; Matchar D.B. et al., 2008). Moreover, treatment with ACE inhibitors can be accompanied by side effects such as intense dry cough and angioedema, which leads to interruption of treatment, depriving patients of protection from cardiovascular events.

At the same time, not only is losartan not inferior in its effectiveness and does not show such pronounced side effects, but it is also an optimal replacement for antihypertensive therapy in patients with intolerance to ACE inhibitors, and also improves the quality of life of patients, especially men.

This was discovered quite by accident, when men with arterial hypertension who took losartan noted an improvement in sexual function and an increase in sexual desire.