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).