There are eight common medications used to treat high blood pressure. While many people dealing with hypertension will possibly be prescribed a combination of a variety of these medications, the amount of medication needed depends greatly on the type and the level of severity of the illness.
While antihypertensive medicines are used to lower blood pressure to normal levels, medications should always be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle change. The main objectives of high blood pressure medications are to not only lower blood pressure but to minimize the side effects caused by some of the medicines.
Diuretics
Water pills are used to remove excess salt from the body. The increase in salt in a person’s body causes the blood vessels to retain more fluid than needed. The release of excess fluid in blood vessels, takes a strain off the vessels and arteries.
Examples: Thalitone, Lasix, Esidrix, Lozol, Dyazide, and Maxzide.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-Blockers are used to reduce the amount of blood pressure flowing through the body, by slowing the heart rate down, it allows for an optimal flow of blood throughout the vessels.
Examples: Sectral, Tenormin, Coreg, Lopressor, Toprol, Corgard, Inderal and Blocadren.
ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)
The hormone Angiotensin II can cause the blood vessels to narrow; ACE inhibitors stop that hormone from production.
Examples: Lotensin, Vasotec, Prinivil, Zestril, Accupril, Altace, and Mavik.
ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)
This medication defends blood vessels from narrowing affects from angiotensin II.
Examples: Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Benicar, Micardis, and Diovan.
CCBs (Calcium channel blockers)
Calcium entering from the body’s cells can cause blood vessels to constrict, CCB’s stop that from happening.
Examples: Norvasc, Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Tiazac, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Calan, Covera, Isoptin, and Verelan.
Alpha-Blockers
Alpha-Blockers are used to reduce nerve pressure to allow blood to pass in vessels more freely.
Examples: Cardura, Minipress, and Hytrin.
Centrally acting drugs
Centrally acting drugs work with a person’s brain chemistry to control nerve impulses that narrow the blood vessels.
Examples: Catapres and Methyldopa.
Direct vasodilators
Direct vasodilators perform by widening the blood vessels to allow more blood to circulate.
Examples: Apresoline and Loniten.
