Medicines Used for High Blood Pressure

Several classes of drugs treat high blood pressure. Using different methods, they act to improve the flow of blood through the vessels so less pressure is needed for circulating blood throughout the body. Different classes of medications are often given together to enhance the blood pressure lowering effect. Blood pressure medication should be taken consistently according to the doctor's order.

Diuretics

• Diuretics treat high blood pressure by increasing urination, which removes sodium and water from the body. This removes excess fluid and pressure from the vessels. Diuretics may be given alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications. Some common diuretics include Lasix, Aldactone, Diuril and Hydrodiuril.

ACE Inhibitors

• ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors cause the blood vessels to dilate. They do this by blocking the production of angiotensin II which is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. ACE inhibitors allow blood to flow through with less resistance so the workload on the heart is reduced. ACE inhibitors include Vasotec, Capoten, Lotensin and Monopril.

AT-2 Receptor Blockers

• AT-2 (angiotensin II) blockers work by blocking the effects of angiotensin II. They prevent the hormone from constricting the blood vessels. This helps to keep blood pressure from becoming elevated. Angiotensin II blockers are also called ARB drugs. These include Cozaar, Diovan, Teveten, and Micardis.

Beta Blockers

• Beta blockers are commonly prescribed cardiac drugs that cause the heart to beat slower which reduces cardiac output and stress on the blood vessels. As a result, blood pressure is lowered. Beta blockers include Lopressor, Inderal, Ziac, and Zebeta.

Calcium Channel Blockers

• Calcium channel blockers keep calcium from entering the cells of the blood vessels. This prevents them from constricting. When the vessels are relaxed, blood flows through with less force and high blood pressure is prevented. Calcium channel blockers include Cardizem, Sular, Vascor and Norvasac.

Alpha Blockers

• Alpha blockers like Cardura, Minipress and Hytrin, reduce nerve impulses so your blood vessels become relaxed and blood courses though them with less resistance. This leads to lower blood pressure.

Vasodilators

• Vasodilators work directly on the muscle walls of blood vessels. These drugs cause the blood vessels to widen or dilate. This allows blood to flow through easier and reduces blood pressure. Vasodilators include drugs like Apresoline and Loniten.