Choosing an appropriate blood pressure medication can be difficult; as with any medication, your body will tolerate some better than others. Many blood pressure medication options are available. Your physician may prescribe you more than one medication, depending on the severity of your blood pressure situation.
Diuretics
Diuretics typically are the first line of medication prescribed for high blood pressure. Their main function is to remove excess water and sodium from the body. Diuretics allow for the kidneys to retrieve more sodium from circulation to excrete into urine. This mechanism allows for a decreased amount of fluid traveling through the blood vessels, overall reducing the amount of pressure within the arteries.
Thiazide medication is the most common type of diuretic prescribed for high blood pressure. Thiazides are cardioprotective, meaning they protect patients against heart failure and stroke. Thiazides also have fewer side effects than other diuretics. The main side effects of thiazide medication include light-headedness, dizziness, blurred vision, itching, upset stomach, headache and weakness.
Brand-name diuretics include Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide and Metolazone. Generic diuretics include Diuril and Zaroxolyn.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)
ACE inhibitors allow for blood vessels to relax by blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict, impeding the amount of blood that can flow through the vessels. Angiotensin II causes high blood pressure due to the extra amount of work the heart has to do.
ACE inhibitors are usually well-tolerated, but common side effects include persistent dry cough, elevated potassium levels, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, weakness and rash.
Frequently prescribed brand-name ACE inhibitors include Capopril, Lisinopril and Ramipril. Generic ACE inhibitors include Capoten, Prinivil, Zestril and Altace.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers lower heart rate. A reduced heart rate decreases the amount of resistance the heart has to overcome to pump blood into circulation, overall reducing one's blood pressure.
Individuals with any lung condition (asthma, emphysema or bronchitis) should not take beta blockers because they may enhance their asthma symptoms. Other side effects of beta blockers include confusion, nightmares, decreased good cholesterol levels and increased blood sugar levels.
Frequently prescribed brand-name beta blockers include Lopressor, Toprol XL, Corgard and Levatol. Generic beta blockers include Metoprolol, Nadolol and Penbutolol.
Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs)
CCBs expand the diameter of arteries by preventing calcium from going into the heart, allowing the heart muscle cells to relax. When muscle heart cells relax, the pressure within the heart reduces, blood moves through the arteries easier and the heart doesn't have to work as hard.
Common side effects found with the usage of CCBs include constipation, nausea, headache, rash, edema, low blood pressure, drowsiness and dizziness.
Frequently prescribed brand name CCBs include Dilacor XR, Cardizem, Calan and Procardia. Generic CCBs include Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Nifedipine and Verapamil.
