Please explain bp pills and why dialysis patients take them. I take one Procardia per day. My bp goes as high as 140-150 if I am in a rush or excited and usually runs at a normal rate otherwise. I asked the doctor once if I still need bp meds or if I should take my bp when I get home before determining if I need to take one. His Nurse told me he said if I take my bp at home and its above 100 I should take a bp pill.

I also asked my doctor when is the best time of day to take my bp pill and he said anytime I want, but don't take them on the morning before dialysis or the night before dialysis (have dialysis 10 a.m.). Because I usually take my bp pills before I go to bed at night that means I take one on Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat nites and thats all. Is there a better time to take them so I take them 7 days a week, or is what I'm doing ok?

Hi Jayne:

I took bp meds for years before my kidney failure. Gradually, after being on dialysis for some time, I was taken off the pills altogether. But that�s digressing.

In your case, I would suggest checking your bp every morning. On non-dialysis days, take the medication mid-day if the systolic (if I have that wrong, it�s the second number) is above 100. On days that you have dialysis, wait until after your session to take your bp. If it�s high after a session, then take the bp medication.

This is only my suggestion, but suggest you prod your nephrologist for more information.

Best,
Mike