====== Antihypertensive medication ======

Drugs used to treat **high blood pressure ([[hypertension]])**. 


===== 🩺 Main Classes of Antihypertensive Medications =====


#### 1. **Diuretics ("Water pills")**
- **Examples**: Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, Furosemide
- **Mechanism**: Help the body eliminate excess salt and water, reducing blood volume.
- **Side effects**: Electrolyte imbalance, increased urination, dizziness.

#### 2. **ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors)**
- **Examples**: Enalapril, Lisinopril, Ramipril
- **Mechanism**: Block the formation of angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels.
- **Side effects**: Dry cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema.

#### 3. **ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers)**
- **Examples**: Losartan, Valsartan, Irbesartan
- **Mechanism**: Block angiotensin II receptors on blood vessels.
- **Side effects**: Dizziness, hyperkalemia, less cough than ACE inhibitors.

#### 4. **Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)**
- **Examples**: [[Amlodipine]], Verapamil, Diltiazem
- **Mechanism**: Prevent calcium from entering heart and vessel muscle cells, reducing contraction strength and relaxing vessels.
- **Side effects**: Swelling (edema), headache, constipation (especially with verapamil).

#### 5. **Beta-Blockers**
- **Examples**: Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol
- **Mechanism**: Reduce heart rate and output by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors.
- **Side effects**: Fatigue, bradycardia, erectile dysfunction, depression.

#### 6. **Alpha-Blockers**
- **Examples**: Doxazosin, Prazosin
- **Mechanism**: Relax certain muscles and help small blood vessels remain open.
- **Side effects**: Orthostatic hypotension, dizziness.

#### 7. **Central Acting Agents**
- **Examples**: Clonidine, Methyldopa
- **Mechanism**: Act on the central nervous system to lower blood pressure.
- **Side effects**: Sedation, dry mouth, rebound hypertension if suddenly stopped.

#### 8. **Direct Vasodilators**
- **Examples**: Hydralazine, Minoxidil
- **Mechanism**: Directly relax the muscles in blood vessel walls.
- **Side effects**: Reflex tachycardia, fluid retention, hair growth (minoxidil).


===== Antihypertensive medication after intracerebral hemorrhage =====
[[Antihypertensive medication after intracerebral hemorrhage]]