High Blood Pressure Drugs
The Medications
There are many different medications used to treat high blood pressure. These drugs are prescribed by your Doctor when other methods are tried and have not worked the best. Before drug treatment is started, “Healthy Lifestyle” approaches are usually attempted first. For many people, these methods may be enough to treat their condition. Medications to control hypertension are considered when the blood pressure readings are consistently high (above 140/90) over a period of three to six months despite efforts at changing diet and lifestyle.
All the medications are effective, however the type of medication your Doctor chooses for you will depend on various factors. Since each person is different, the treatment must be tailored especially for you. Your Doctor must choose a suitable therapy based on factors such as your age, racial origin, gender, cost, other medical conditions and other medications.
High Blood Pressure Medications
Treatment with these medications are always customized for you by your Physician. Below is a list of the main types of hypertension medications used. These drugs may be taken separately or in combination as prescribed by your Doctor. Some of the medications listed may also be used for other conditions different from yours. If you have any questions regarding your medications, always ask your Pharmacist or Physician.
Diuretics
| Type of Medication | Some Examples | How they Work |
| Diuretics (the ‘Water Pill’) |
hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene, furosemide | These medications are the most commonly used due to their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure. They work by decreasing the fluid volume in the blood. |
| Some examples of Possible Side Effects | Helpful Hints About Your Medication | |
| Increased urination and stomach upset. Some diuretics may affect your body’s potassium levels. | Take this medication in the morning to avoid affecting your sleep due to increased urination. Due to possible affects on potassium, ask your Pharmacist or Doctor if additional supplements or diet suggestions are necessary. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. | |
Beta Blockers (β-blocker)
| Type of Medication | Some Examples | How they Work |
| Beta Blocker | propranolol, nadolol, acebutolol, atenolol, pindolol, metoprolol | Works by slowing down the heart rate and reducing the contraction force of the heart. This combination along with some other effects in turn decrease the amount of blood ejected from the heart leading to lower blood pressure. |
| Some examples of Possible Side Effects | Helpful Hints About Your Medication | |
| Tiredness and stomach upset. Some of these drugs may also increase blood sugar, and/or cholesterol. | Check with your doctor if you experience cold hands and feet, lightheadedness or dizziness, and/or an irregular heartbeat while taking this medication. Can be taken with or without food. | |
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
| Type of Medication | Some Examples | How they Work |
| Calcium Channel Blocker | nifedipine, felodipine, amlodipine, verapamil, diltiazem | By blocking the stimulating effects of calcium on smooth muscles in the arteries, blood vessels are relaxed and blood pressure is reduced. |
| Some examples of Possible Side Effects | Helpful Hints About Your Medication | |
| Dizziness, headache, flushing, and swelling of the hands and feet. | Check with your Doctor if you experience any unusual heartbeats and/or swelling of the hands and feet. Most of these medications can be taken with or without food. Ask your Pharmacist about how to take your medication. | |
ACE Inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)
| Type of Medication | Some Examples | How they Work |
| ACE Inhibitors | captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, fosinopril, ramipril, cilazapril | The hormone Angiotensin 2 causes the blood vessels to constrict. ACE inhibitors block the formation of this hormone, leading to blood vessel relaxation and lower blood pressure. |
| Some examples of Possible Side Effects | Helpful Hints About Your Medication | |
| Dry cough, rash, taste disturbances,low blood pressure (hypotension), and high potassium (hyperkalemia). | Potassium supplements and salt substitutes should be avoided unless your Doctor tells you otherwise. Some of these medications work better when taken on an empty stomach. Ask your Pharmacist! | |
Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs))
| Type of Medication | Some Examples | How they Work |
| Angiotensin 2 Blocker | losartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, candesartan, valsartan, and telmisartan | This is a new drug that acts not by blocking the formation of Angiotensin 2, but by inhibiting its actions. The results are a similar reduction in blood pressure and decreased occurrence of some side effects such as the dry cough sometimes caused by ACE Inhibitors. |
| Some examples of Possible Side Effects | Helpful Hints About Your Medication | |
| Dizziness and stomach upset. | Can be taken with or without food. | |
Alpha-1 Blockers (alpha-adrenergic blocking agents)
| Type of Medication | Some Examples | How they Work |
| Alpha 1 Blocker | prazosin, doxazosin, terazosin | The action of chemical messengers that cause the blood vessels to narrow are blocked. Blood vessel relaxation occurs which in turn decreases blood pressure. |
| Some examples of Possible Side Effects | Helpful Hints About Your Medication | |
| Weakness, headaches, stomach upset, and increased heart activity. | Some people may experience dizziness or fainting the first time they take this medication. This is usually prevented by starting with a lower dose, and taking the medication at bedtime. When you change from a laying or sitting position, you must do it slowly and cautiously until you are sure of how the medication affects you. Can be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. | |
Alpha 1 -Beta Blocker
| Type of Medication | Some Examples | How they Work |
| Alpha 1 -Beta Blocker | labetalol | Combination action of both a beta blocker and alpha 1 blocker. |
| Some examples of Possible Side Effects | Helpful Hints About Your Medication | |
| See individual side effects for beta blockers and alpha 1 blockers. | This medication should be taken after food. See also individual hints for beta blockers and alpha 1 blockers. | |
Central Alpha 2 Agents
| Type of Medication | Some Examples | How they Work |
| Central Alpha 2 Agents | methyldopa | A part of the body’s nervous system acts to increase heart rate and blood pressure. These drugs stimulate specific centers in the brain that block this system’s effects. |
| Some examples of Possible Side Effects | Helpful Hints About Your Medication | |
| Drowsiness, nasal congestion, dry mouth, and stomach upset. | Fever for no apparent reason, especially during the first three weeks of therapy, should be reported to your Doctor as soon as possible. Can be taken with or without food. | |
Some of the medications used to treat high blood pressure may take several weeks to reach their peak effect. It is important that you continue to take your medication during this adjustment period. Some mild side effects may also occur during this time, but should disappear as your body adjusts. Your Pharmacist can give you suggestions on how to deal with these side effects. Since you cannot feel your blood pressure to be high, you should never stop taking your medication without first speaking with your Doctor. In order for your blood pressure medication to work properly and effectively, it should be taken regularly as directed. Since the medication is used only to help control your high blood pressure, you may have to continue taking it for life. You should also continue to follow your Doctor’s lifestyle and diet recommendations.
General Precautions
If you miss a dose of your medication, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. You do not need to “double up”; it may lead to unwanted effects. In order to help you remember to take your medication regularly, try to take it at the same time each day.
It is important that you do not stop your medications without consulting with your Doctor. Some blood pressure medications may cause unwanted effects if you stop taking them suddenly. If you know or suspect that you are pregnant, check with your Doctor as soon as possible regarding any medications you may be taking.
When taking medications to treat your high blood pressure, always consult your Pharmacist or Physician before taking any non-prescription drugs. This especially includes medications used to treat coughs and colds, and certain stomach remedies, as they may interfere with your condition.
If the medication your Doctor has chosen for you is an extended release form, do not break, crush, or chew the tablet or capsule. Doing this may affect the way the medication is released into your body. Always check first with your Pharmacist or Physician if you are not sure.
Store the medication away from heat and direct sunlight, as well as out of the reach of children. Any outdated or discontinued medication should be returned to your Pharmacy for proper disposal.
Final thoughts
Remember that blood pressure medication must be taken regularly and as directed by your Doctor and Pharmacist in order for it to be effective. Hypertension and the medications used to treat this condition can also interact with other medications, so be sure to consult your Doctor or Pharmacist when taking non-prescription drugs. By making modifications to your diet and lifestyle, and in some cases with the correct medication(s), your high blood pressure can be controlled. Success may help to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, and improve your chances for a long and healthy life.
Please speak to your Pharmacist and Physician for more information about high blood pressure and its treatments.
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