High blood pressure medications are used to treat hypertension when changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle have not effectively reduced blood pressure levels. While these medications are usually very effective, they also have many possible side effects. Understanding the possible side effects can help people with high blood pressure work with their doctors to determine which drugs are best for them.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers work to reduce blood pressure by blocking the effects of epinephrine on the heart. This causes the heart rate to slow down and makes the heart pump with less force, which reduces the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. The most common side effects of beta blockers are dizziness, cold hands, weakness and fatigue. Other side effects can occur, but are less common. They include difficulty sleeping, loss of sexual desire, shortness of breath and depression. Examples of beta blockers include Metoprolol, Bisoprolol, Nadolol and Atenolol.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers work to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. This is accomplished by slowing down the passage of calcium into the heart. When the blood vessels are relaxed, the heart does not have to work as hard and blood pressure is reduced. The most common side effects of calcium channel blockers are heartburn, flushing, fatigue and swelling of the feet, ankles or abdomen. Less common side effects include wheezing, difficulty swallowing, coughing, very fast heartbeat, dizziness, very slow heartbeat, upset stomach, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, shortness of breath and constipation. Examples of calcium channel blockers include Verapamil, Diltiazem, Isradipine and Amlodipine.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Angiotensin II receptor blockers reduce blood pressure by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, which causes constriction of the blood vessels. The most common side effect of this type of drug is a headache. Less common side effects include sore throat, cough, dizziness, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, back pain, nervousness, upset stomach and heartburn. Examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers include Irbesartan, Olmesartan, Losartan and Valsartan.
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors reduce blood pressure by preventing angiotensin I from being converted into angiotensin II. This allows the blood vessels to become relaxed, reducing the workload of the heart and reducing blood pressure. The most common side effect of ACE inhibitors is a dry cough that can make it difficult to speak. Less common, but possible, side effects include headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, upset stomach, joint pain, numbness in the hands or feet, fever, dizziness, fatigue, sensitivity to sunlight, loss of taste, fainting and lightheadedness. Rare side effects may include jaundice, severe upset stomach, swelling of the face, hands and feet, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, fever, chills, vomiting and unusual bruising. Examples of ACE inhibitors include Captopril, Lisinopril, Enalapril and Quinapril.
Diuretics
Excess fluid in the body can put pressure on the walls of the arteries, which causes an increase in blood pressure. Diuretics flush excess fluid and sodium from the body into the urine so that this pressure is relieved and blood pressure is reduced. The most common side effect experience with this type of drug is increased urination. Thiazide diuretics can cause blood potassium levels to increase. Other possible side effects include skin rash, increased cholesterol levels, low sodium in the blood, increase blood sugar levels, gout, breast enlargement in men and impotence in men. Examples of diuretics include Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Bumetanide, Furosemide and Amiloride.
