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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Correct Dosage Of BP Medicine For Aged Person With Low Body Weight?

My 90 yr old mom who weighs approx 85 lbs was recently taken off metholtrexate for arthritis. They took her off that because she is anemic. She was also on high blood pressure meds. This week she took her bp at a pharmacy and it was 97/35. She asked the pharmacist if that was possible and he said no and took it 3 times with the same reading. She went to her Dr. the next day and he reduced her high blood pressure meds. My question is how much of a guessing game is it to find the right dosage of medication for such a small body?
posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2015
Twitter Sat, 11 Apr 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 13 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

I believe the doctor was right to reduce her blood pressure meds. As for how much of a guessing it is, you have to understand that its is not only about weight, blood pressure is variable among different people, depends more on genetic factors and other additional conditions or medications (like methotrexate) which can influence its values.
As a result necessary dosage varies among different people (some are tough to control with multiple drugs some don't need treatment at all) and at times, especially when there are changes (as I said other illnesses, medications, or even seasonal temperature changes), even in the same person. High blood pressure is a chronic disease and values have to be periodically taken in order to adjust the treatment accordingly.

I hope to have been of help.
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What Is The Correct Dosage Of BP Medicine For Aged Person With Low Body Weight?

I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. I believe the doctor was right to reduce her blood pressure meds. As for how much of a guessing it is, you have to understand that its is not only about weight, blood pressure is variable among different people, depends more on genetic factors and other additional conditions or medications (like methotrexate) which can influence its values. As a result necessary dosage varies among different people (some are tough to control with multiple drugs some don t need treatment at all) and at times, especially when there are changes (as I said other illnesses, medications, or even seasonal temperature changes), even in the same person. High blood pressure is a chronic disease and values have to be periodically taken in order to adjust the treatment accordingly. I hope to have been of help.