Blood pressure medication is used to control high and low fluctuation in blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood throughout the body, resulting in increased pressure along the arterial walls. Low blood pressure, known as hypotension, occurs when the flow of blood in the arteries is lower than normal. Medications can help control blood pressure in a variety of ways.
Levatol, Sectral, Zebeta, Lopressor
Beta-blockers reduce the rate at which the heart pumps blood. This helps to lower blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, some of the more common brands of beta-blocker medication include Toprol-XL, Levatol, Sectral, Tenormin, Kerlone, Zebeta, Cartrol, Lopressor, Corgard, Visken, Inderal, Betapace and Blocadren.
Hygroton, Diuril, Lasix, Esidrix
Another way to reduce blood pressure is to decrease the level of lsodium in the body. Large amounts of sodium in the diet can increase blood pressure. Brand names of common diuretic medications include Hygroton, Diuril, Lasix, Esidrix, Hydrodiuril, Microzide, Lozol, Mykrox and Zaroxolyn.
Monopril, Vasotec, Lotensin, Capoten
People with thick, narrow arteries are at risk for developing high blood pressure. A chemical in the body called angiotensin causes the narrowing of arteries in some cases. High blood pressure due to presence of angiotensin can be controlled with specific medications, known as ACE inhibitors. Brands of ACE inhibitors include Monopril, Vasotec, Lotensin, Capoten, Prinivel, Zestril, Univasc, Aceon, Accupril, Altace and Mavik.
While ACE inhibitors target the angiotensin molecule directly, other medications like angiotensin II receptor blockers act on the binding site of angiotensin. While the angiotensin molecule remains untouched with these medications, its effects are rendered useless by a blocked binding site. Angiotensin II receptor blocker medication brands include: Atacand, Teveten, Avapro, Cozaar, Micardis and Diovan.
Norvasc, Lotrel, Vasocor
Muscles in the body, including the heart and arteries, have channels through which calcium can pass to and from cells. A high concentration of calcium in muscle cells causes improved contraction. By decreasing the level of contraction in these muscles, through reduction of calcium, out-of-range blood pressure can be controlled. Norvasc, Lotrel, Vasocor, Cardizem CD, Plendil, Dynacirc, Cardene SR, Procardia XL, Sular and Verelan all reduce the amount of calcium allowed to enter cells through channel control.
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