Medications for Hypertension

by Debra Wood, RN

The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medicines listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medicines as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Many different medicines are available to lower your blood pressure. Your doctor will discuss the options with you and help you select a medicine plan to meet your needs. Many times more than one drug is needed to control blood pressure.

Blood pressure medicines must be taken daily. Do not stop taking your medicine on your own. If you develop side effects, notify your doctor. She may be able to adjust the treatment such as by changing the dose or choosing another drug to help minimize side effects while controlling your blood pressure.

Hypertension can be controlled, not cured. Taking your medicines as ordered is vital to controlling this condition and reducing the risk of complications. It may be necessary to take the medicines indefinitely. Be sure to discuss these issues with your doctor.

Prescription Medications

Diuretics

  • Hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Microzide)
  • Indapamide (Lozol)
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Beta-blockers

  • Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)
  • Metoprolol (Toprol)
  • Nadolol (Corgard)
  • Betaxolol (Kerlone)
  • Acebutolol (Sectral)
  • Pindolol (Visken)
  • Bisoprolol (Zebeta)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)

  • Benazepril hydrochloride (Lotensin)
  • Captopril (Capoten)
  • Enalapril maleate (Vasotec)
  • Quinapril (Accupril)
  • Perindopril (Aceon)
  • Ramipril (Altace)
  • Trandolapril (Mavik)
  • Fosinopril (Monopril)
  • Moexipril (Univasc )
  • Lisinopril (Zestril and Prinivil)

Angiotensin II antagonists

  • Irbesartan (Avapro)
  • Losartan potassium (Cozaar)
  • Valsartan (Diovan)
  • Candesartan (Atacand)
  • Olmesartan (Benicar)
  • Telmisartan (Micardis)
  • Eprosartan (Teveten)

Calcium channel blockers

  • Verapamil hydrochloride (Calan SR)
  • Diltiazem hydrochloride (Cardizem CD)
  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
  • Sustained release nifedipine (Procardia XL, Adalat CC)
  • Felodipine (Plendil)
  • Nisoldipine (Sular)

Alpha-blockers

  • Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Terazosin (Hytrin)
  • Doxazosin

Alpha-beta blockers

  • Labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate)
  • Carvediol (Coreg)

Centrally-acting nervous system drugs

  • Clonidine (Catapres)
  • Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Vasodilators

  • Hydralazine hydrochloride (Apresoline)

Prescription Medications

Diuretics

Common names include:

  • Hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Microzide)
  • Indapamide (Lozol)
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Diuretics help the kidneys get rid of excess water and sodium. These medicines are sometimes referred to as “water pills.”

Possible side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Frequent urination

Beta-blockers

Common names include:

  • Atenolol (Tenormin)
  • Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)
  • Metoprolol (Toprol)
  • Nadolol (Corgard)
  • Betaxolol (Kerlone)
  • Acebutolol (Sectral)
  • Pindolol (Visken)
  • Bisoprolol (Zebeta)

Beta-blockers reduce demands on the heart by reducing the rate and force of contraction and help lower blood pressure.

Possible side effects include:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow heart rate
  • Fatigue

Beta-blockers may not be the first-line treatment for hypertension.

Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Common names include:

  • Benazepril hydrochloride (Lotensin)
  • Captopril (Capoten)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
  • Quinapril (Accupril)
  • Perindopril (Aceon)
  • Ramipril (Altace)
  • Trandolapril (Mavik)
  • Fosinopril (Monopril)
  • Moexipril (Univasc )
  • Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil)

ACE inhibitors relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure by blocking the production of a hormone that causes the blood vessels to constrict.

Possible side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Cough

Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists

Common names include:

  • Irbesartan (Avapro)
  • Losartan potassium (Cozaar)
  • Valsartan (Diovan)
  • Candesartan (Atacand)
  • Olmesartan (Benicar)
  • Telmisartan (Micardis)
  • Eprosartan (Teveten)

Angiotensin antagonists relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure by shielding the blood vessels from a hormone that causes the blood vessels to constrict.

Possible side effects include:

Calcium Channel Blockers

Common names include:

  • Verapamil hydrochloride (Calan SR)
  • Diltiazem hydrochloride (Cardizem CD)
  • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
  • Sustained release nifedipine (Procardia XL, Adalat CC)
  • Felodipine (Plendil)
  • Nisoldipine (Sular)

Calcium channel blockers relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure by blocking some activities of heart and blood vessel muscle cells.

Possible side effects include:

Alpha-blockers

Common names include:

  • Prazosin (Minipress)
  • Terazosin (Hytrin)
  • Doxazosin (Cardura)

Alpha-blockers lower blood pressure by decreasing nerve impulses to the blood vessels. This relaxes the blood vessels and helps lower blood pressure.

Possible side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache

Alpha-beta Blockers

Common names include:

  • Labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate)
  • Carvedilol (Coreg)

Alpha-beta blockers lower blood pressure by decreasing nerve impulses to the blood vessels. They also slow the heart rate and decrease the force of contraction. This decreases the workload of the heart and helps lower the blood pressure.

Possible side effects include:

  • Dizziness
  • Postural hypotension (blood pressure falls when standing up)

Centrally Acting Nervous System Drugs

Common names include:

  • Clonidine (Catapres)
  • Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Nervous system drugs lower blood pressure by controlling nerve impulses and relaxing blood vessels. These drugs can be taken orally. Clonidine is available through a skin patch.

Possible side effects include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Redness, itching, and skin irritation (with skin patch)

Vasodilators

Hydralazine (Apresoline)

Vasodilators lower blood pressure by directly relaxing blood vessel walls.

Possible side effects include:

  • Fluid retention
  • Rapid heart rate

Special Considerations

If you are taking medicines, follow these general guidelines:

  • Take your medicine as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.
  • Do not stop taking them without talking to your doctor.
  • Do not share them.
  • Know what the results and side effects. Report them to your doctor.
  • Some drugs can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one drug. This includes over-the-counter medicine and herb or dietary supplements.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you do not run out.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Contact your doctor if you:

  • Develop side effects to any of the medicines
  • Check your own blood pressure and it regularly runs higher or lower than the target blood pressure range set by your doctor

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Last reviewed September 2012 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Last Updated: 09/11/2012
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