High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a condition in which the blood flow through the body meets resistance. The blood actually pushes against the blood vessel walls to create this high pressure. The Mayo Clinic says that some high blood pressure symptoms include dizziness, headaches and nosebleeds. Sometimes, people may be asymptomatic. Fortunately, a list of drugs to reduce high blood pressure exists.
Olmesartan
Olmesartan, commonly sold as Benicar, belongs to a class of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. This medication prevents blood vessel constriction and subsequently, lowers blood pressure. Drugs.com says that olmesartan's less concerning effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, weakness, sweating and a runny or stuffy nose. Olmesartan's serious side effects include difficult urination, chest pain, a fast heart rate (tachycardia) or swelling of the hands or feet. Call a doctor when olmesartan leads to these effects. Suffering from congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease or dehydration may require a reduction in olmesartan's dose. Olmesartan is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
Carvedilol
Carvedilol, commonly sold as Coreg, is a beta-blocker drug that reduces high blood pressure. Drugs.com says that carvedilol also treats congestive heart failure because it affects the circulation and heart. Its less serious effects include trouble sleeping, fatigue, anxiety, nervousness and a decreased sex drive. Carvedilol's serious effects include fainting, depression, swelling of the ankles and feet and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Notify a physician when carvedilol leads to these effects. Suffering from diabetes, kidney disease, a thyroid problem and congestive heart failure may require a decrease in carvedilol's dose. Carvedilol is a tablet or capsule taken daily or as prescribed.
Propranolol
Propranolol, commonly sold as Inderal, Inderide or InnoPran, is another beta-blocker medication that treats high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart rhythms and pheochromocytoma (a type of tumor that secretes epinephrine). MedlinePlus indicates that propranolol's less serious side effects include constipation, a rash, trouble sleeping, dizziness and fatigue. Some of its serious effects include chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing and a sore throat. Notify a doctor when propranolol leads to these effects. Propranolol is a tablet or capsule taken once a day or as prescribed.
