All the types and lines of drugs for lowering blood pressure can be divided into five main categories. Below you will find a short description of them.
The class includes trandolapril, quinapril, ramipril, lisinopril, perindopril, enalapril, fisinopril, cilazapril, captopril, to name a few.
They decrease the level of angiotensin II in the blood, which is responsible for narrowed blood vessels. As a result, vessels start to widen and become more flexible. The pressure of blood going through them is reduced.
ACE inhibitors are highly recommended in case of diabetes and cardiac failure. Among contra-indications are pregnancy, renal failure, and certain problems with arteries.Prescribing of an ACE inhibitor is preceded by a blood test to make sure that the patient has got healthy kidneys. In two weeks one more blood test is obligatory as well as in two weeks after enlarging of the dosage. After that a test is taken once a year (as a rule).
ARB drugs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers)
The class includes valsartan, losartan, candesartan, olmesartan, eprosartan, telmisartan, and irbesartan, to name a few.
Another name for them is angiotension II receptor antagonists. They are similar to ACE inhibitors mentioned above in their mechanism. ARBs prevent the impact of angiotensin II on the walls of blood vessels.
Beta-Adrenoceptor Antagonists (Beta-Blockers)
The class includes timolol, pindolol, propanaolol, bisoprolol, acebutolol, sotalol, atenolol, oxprenolol, metoprolol, to name a few.
Reducing cardiac output and slowing cardiac rate, they lower blood pressure. Beta-blockers are used for treating angina and some other problems. They are contraindicated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart or blood vessel problems.
Calcium blockers
The class includes verapamil, lacidipine, lercanidipine, diltiazem, isradipine, amlodipine, nifedipine, nisoldipine, felodipine, and nicardipine.
Also called calcium antagonists or calcium-channel blockers, they change calcium usage in blood vessels and cardiac muscle having a relaxing effect on them. They are sometimes prescribed as anti-angine drugs.
Diuretics
In the UK, bendroflumethiazide is the preferred choice for treating high blood pressure. Some other representatives of the class include indapamide, cyclopenthiazide, chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide.
Also called water pills, they increase the volume of liquid and salts passing through the urine. The body gets rid of excess fluids, and the blood vessels become slightly relaxed lowering blood pressure.
In case of hypertension low dosage of diuretics is prescribed, so the inconveniences with extra urination are minimal. Prescribing of a diuretic is preceded by a blood test to make sure that the patient has got healthy kidneys. Another blood test for potassium level follows in 4-6 week after the beginning of the treatment. After that a test is taken once a year (as a rule).
For more information on each medicine please consult the instructions attached to it.
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