Side Effects Of Blood Pressure Meds

High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when there is increased pressure in the arteries of the body. According to the Merck Manuals, more than 65 million people in the United States have high blood pressure, with the condition being more frequent in blacks compared with whites. High blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart attack and heart failure. Many classes of medications can be used alone or in combination to manage this condition; as with all medications, each class has some common side effects.

Beta-Blockers

Medications called beta-blockers are commonly used to treat hypertension. Beta-blockers widen the blood vessels and lower the workload on the heart by allowing the heart to not use as much force to move the blood throughout the body. Side effects include slow heartbeat, impotence, breathing issues, fatigue and interference with insulin in patients with diabetes. Beta-blockers are not usually prescribed for patients with asthma because the condition may become worse. In diabetic patients, beta-blockers may mask signs that the patient is suffering from low blood sugar. Examples of beta-blockers are metoprolol, also known as Lopressor, and propranolol, which is also known as Inderal.

Diuretic Medications

Diuretics assist the body in eliminating water and salt, and in that manner lower blood pressure. For many physicians, the use of diuretics is one of the first choices in managing a patient with high blood pressure. The side effects for diuretics include low levels of the mineral potassium, attacks of gout and problems with high blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Increased cholesterol levels are also potential side effects of diuretic medications. Examples of diuretic medications are hydrochlorothiazide, or Esidrix, and furosemide, or Lasix.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors lower blood pressure by blocking the creation of a chemical that constricts vessels, thereby relaxing blood vessels. The most common side effects for these medications are skin rash and dry cough. Other side effects include dizziness, changes in taste, lightheadedness and decrease in appetite over time--although these effects are rare. Rarely, these medications can cause swelling, which can be life-threatening. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors should not be taken during pregnancy. Enalapril, or Vasotec; quinapril, or Accupril; and lisinopril, or Zestril, are examples of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Angiotensin II receptor blockers also relax blood vessels by preventing a substance that narrows blood vessels. These agents are effective in patients with heart disease and kidney failure. These agents have few common side effects. Some less serious side effects include headache, dizziness, nasal congestion and diarrhea. There are a few more serious side effects such as kidney failure, liver failure and allergic reactions. These medications should not be taken during pregnancy as well. Examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers are irbesarten, or Avapro, and losartin, which is also known as Cozaar.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers have more than one mechanism in lowering blood pressure--relaxing blood vessel walls and slowing down the heart rate. The side effects for calcium channel blockers include dizziness, headaches, constipation and ankle edema. Calcium channel blockers can also cause a rapid heartbeat. Some medications in this class should not be taken with grapefruit juice because the juice interferes with the clearance of the medication. Examples of this class are amlodipine, or Norvasc; diltiazem, or Cardizem CD; and nifedipine, or Procardia XL.