Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast

#213 Hypertension First-Line Medications Troubleshooting | Bread & Butter Series

July 28, 2026·32 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Why can lower-dose combinations be more effective and better tolerated than maximizing one medication? How to troubleshoot common challenges such as amlodipine edema, gout, electrolyte abnormalities, and the patient who says they cannot tolerate anything? Why ACT (ARBs, Calcium Channel Blockers, Thiazides) is the preferred first-line framework, and how to personalize medication choices based on comorbidities and side effects.🔹Sponsor: Oakstone CMEUse the code "CORE325" for 25% off: https://www.coreimpodcast.com/MKSAP 🔹Transcript and Shownotes03:00 | Diagnosing Hypertension 04:10 | When to Start Combination Therapy Instead of Monotherapy 07:00 | Choosing First-Line Therapy Using the ACT Framework 13:23 | Why ARBs Are Often Preferred Over ACE Inhibitors 16:02 | Choosing the Right ARB: Candesartan vs Losartan 18:39 | Comparing Potency & Duration Across First-Line Antihypertensives 20:54 | Amlodipine Edema: Why It Happens and How to Fix It 23:54 | Thiazides: Practical Tips, Electrolyte Problems & Class-Killer Side Effects 29:33 | Managing Patients Who 'Can't Tolerate' Blood Pressure Medications Tags: Hypertension Management, High Blood Pressure, Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Core IMFind the best disability insurance for you: https://www.patternlife.com/disability-insurance?campid=497840Our Sponsors:* Check out CovePure and use my code CovePure.com/coreim for a great deal: https://covepure.com* Check out ElevenReader and use my code PODCAST for a great deal: https://elevenreader.io* Check out FIGS and use my code FIGSRX for a great deal: https://wearfigs.com* Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code COREIM at https://branchbasics.com/COREIM #branchbasicspod Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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