Hypertension also is known as high blood pressure. It may occur for a variety of reasons, most of which are unknown, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is true of primary hypertension, the condition that affects most people. Secondary hypertension generally is the result of some other medical condition such as adrenal gland tumors, abnormalities in the kidneys and heart defects. It also may be caused by illicit use of such drugs as amphetamines and cocaine, and such legal drugs as cold medicines, oral contraceptives and decongestants, among others.
Renin Inhibitors
Tekturna (generic: aliskiren) is an antihypertensive drug that counteracts or slows the production of an enzyme called renin. The kidneys produce renin, which can cause "a cascade of chemical steps," according to the Mayo Clinic, that contribute to high blood pressure. Tekturna helps the blood vessels to refrain from constricting, thus helping to decrease how hard the heart must work to pump blood throughout your body. Serious side effects from Tekturna include leg or feet swelling, diarrhea, pain located below the rips in the back that is sharp, urination with blood, pain in the joints and genital or groin pain. Other serious side effects may include unconsciousness, inability to control the bladder and vomiting and nausea. See a doctor for any of these. Less serious side effects may include pain in the abdomen, a cough, indigestion and a rash.
Diuretics
Diuretics---thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing---are the most often-prescribed high blood pressure medications. They help to decrease the volume of blood pumping in your body and commonly are called water pills. Potassium-sparing diuretics include eplerenone, triamterene, spironolactone and amiloride. Thiazide diuretics are metolazone, hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide. Loop diuretics include furosemide, torsemide, bumetanide and ethacrynic acid. Metolazone, sold as Mykrox and Zaroxolyn, may produce side effects that include a coma, fever, confusion, blurry vision, convulsions and constipation. It also may cause tachycardia or rapid heartbeat, or an irregular heartbeat, among other side effects. Torsemide, sold as Demadex, also may cause similar side effects including convulsions and an irregular heartbeat, along with changes of mood, decreased appetite, vomiting, pain in the chest and noises in the ears or loss of hearing. Triamterene, sold as Dyrenium, may cause you to faint or have such effects as agitation, depression, tachycardia, hostility, irritability and seizures. These all are serious side effects that require medical attention immediately.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors help to lessen the constriction of blood vessels, thus making it easy for the heart to work. There are many ACE inhibitors on the market, including ramipril, benazepril, lisinopril, quinapril, moexipril and fosinopril, among others. Serious side effects from ACE inhibitors may include faintness, chills, confusion, dizziness, cold sweats or lightheadedness. Tell your physician about these. Less serious side effects include abnormal weakness, headaches, uncommon tiredness, nausea and abnormal drowsiness.
