Medications for high blood pressure are called anti-hypertensives, and there are lots of them out there. They are generally divided up into 5 or 6 categories, as described by the way they work to lower your blood pressure.
When alternative methods don’t work to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may decide to start you on medications for high blood pressure. (antihypertensives). One of the most important thing to remember when you start taking antihypertensives is that they don’t usually work immediately with the first dose. It will probably take some adjustments and perhaps a combination of medications. It is important to get the correct medications and dosages, so be patient.
Doctor’s will usually start with lower dosages and gradually increase it until your blood pressure stays within the normal range for a consistent period of time. Occasionally you may have to start and stop several different types of medications until normal blood pressure readings are consistent. Take your blood pressure medication as close to the same time every day as possible, to keep a stable level in your blood stream at all times.
Taking medications for high blood pressure is not usually a temporary fix, so Don’t Stop taking the medications on your own, without your doctor telling you to stop them. Dangerously high blood pressure can result if you stop taking your medications without your doctor’s order and that can put you at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes. Don’t risk it!
Now for that list
Diuretics
Often called “water pills”, these are the oldest type of antihypertensives. They work on the kidneys to reduce excess fluid in your body. With less fluid in your body, there is also less pressure inside the arteries.
Some names of commonly used diuretics:
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril or HCTZ)
- Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
- Spironolactone (Aldactone)
- Acetazolamide (Diamox)
- Furosemide (Lasix)
- Indapamide (Lozol)
- Torsemide (Demadex)
- Triamterene (Dyrenium)
The Most common side effect of Diuretics is: Excessive loss of potassium from your system. Your doctor will monitor this closely and may prescribe a potassium supplement for you to take in order to avoid your potassium level getting too low.
Beta Blockers
These medications decrease the heart rate and slightly decrease the amount of blood the heart pumps out with each heartbeat, by lowering the pressure needed by the heart to pump blood out. There are many more uses for beta blockers but we will stick to how they help lower blood pressure.
Some names of commonly used beta blockers:
- Atenolol (Tenormin)
- Betaxolol (Kerlone)
- Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
- Carvedilol (Coreg)
- Timolol (Blockadren)
- Metoprolol (Toprol)
- Nadolol (Corgard)
- Pindolol (Visken)
- Propranolol (Inderal)
- Labetolol (Normodyne or Trandate)
The Most common side effects of beta blockers are: Excessive slowing of your heart rate, heart failure, confusion and depression.
ACE inhibitors
ACE stands for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme. Angiotensin is a chemical in your blood that causes your blood vessels (mainly arteries) to narrow (constrict). The inhibiting action of these medications for high blood pressure, stops the angiotensin from causing the narrowing therefore it allows the arteries to dilate (get a little larger) which allows the blood to flow through them easier, with less pressure.
Some names of commonly used ACE inhibitors
- Enalapril (Vasotec)
- Captopril (Capoten)
- Benazepril (Lotensin)
- Ramipril (Altace)
- Quinapril (Accupril)
- Fosinopril (Monopril)
- Trandolapril (Mavik)
- Lisinopril (Prinivil or Zestril)
The Most common side effects of ACE inhibitors Chronic, persistent, dry cough, swelling of the face and neck and elevated potassium levels.
Vasodilators
These medications are complete dilators that relax an enlarge arteries to lower the pressure inside them.
Some names of commonly used Vasodilators
- Hydralazine (Apresoline)
- Loniten (Monoxidil)
The Most common side effects of Vasodilators Very low blood pressure, weight gain and breast tenderness.
Calcium Channel Blockers
These medications for high blood pressure work like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors together would work. They decrease the the force of contractions of the heart muscle and also dilate the arteries. The combination of these effects work well together to decrease the pressure within the arteries.
Some names of commonly used Calcium Channel Blockers
- Nicardipine (Cardene)
- Felodipine (Plendil)
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Nisoldipine (Sular)
- Idradipine (DynaCirc)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem)
- Verapamil (Calan or Veralan)
The Most common side effects of Calcium Channel BlockersHeadache, swelling of the ankles, heart failure,, very slow heart rate, very low blood pressure.
This is certainly not a complete list of all medications for high blood pressure, or their side effects.