Medications for Hypertension
by
Michael Jubinville, MPH The medicines below are used to treat hypertension. Only the most basic problems are listed. Use each of them as your doctor tells you. If you have any questions or can’t follow the package instructions, call your doctor. You may need to take more than one type. This is because they work in different ways. Blood pressure (BP) medicines must be taken daily. If you have problems because of the medicines, let your doctor know. Don't stop taking them on your own. Taking medicines as advised is vital to controlling your BP. This will lower the chances of other health problems. Prescription Medicines
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors:
Centrally-acting nervous system drugs:
Prescription MedicinesDiureticsCommon names:
Diuretics help the kidneys get rid of excess water in the body. This will make you pass urine more often. This lowers the pressure inside the blood vessels. Possible side effects:
Beta-blockersCommon names:
Beta-blockers lessen the workload of the heart. Less force from the heart will lead to lower BP. Possible side effects:
Beta-blockers may not be the first type of medicines your doctor has you take. Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) InhibitorsCommon names:
ACE inhibitors relax blood vessels. Less force from the heart will lead to lower BP. Possible side effects:
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)Common names:
ARBs relax blood vessels. Less force from the heart will lead to lower BP. Possible side effects: Calcium Channel BlockersCommon names:
Calcium channel blockers relax the blood vessels. Possible side effects:
Alpha blockersCommon names:
Alpha blockers lower BP by lowering nerve impulses to the blood vessels. This relaxes the blood vessels. Possible side effects:
Alpha-beta BlockersCommon names:
Alpha-beta blockers lower BP relaxing blood vessels. Possible side effects:
Centrally Acting Nervous System DrugsCommon names:
These medicines lower BP by relaxing blood vessels. Possible side effects:
VasodilatorsCommon name—hydralazine hydrochloride Vasodilators lower blood pressure by directly relaxing blood vessel walls. Possible side effects:
Special ConsiderationsIf you are taking medicines:
Note : Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can make your BP higher. They also and make your medicines less effective. Talk to your doctor before taking them. References:Antihypertensive drugs and dosing. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Accessed September 15, 2020. High blood pressure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
website. Available at:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-pressure. Accessed September 15, 2020. Hypertension medication selection and management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Accessed September 15, 2020. Medications and blood pressure. American Heart Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 15, 2020. Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 11/20/2020 |
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