Types of Hypertension Medication

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common medical condition that occurs when the force of the blood is too strong against the artery walls. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels, kidneys and eyes and heart, and often leads to a heart attack, stroke or aneurysm. Hypertension is commonly controlled by blood pressure medications.

Diuretics

• Diuretics, also known as "water pills," are often the first choice of hypertension medications. Diuretics help the kidneys flush excess sodium and water out of the body. This reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure levels. Diuretics frequently deplete a patient's potassium levels, so many doctors also suggest taking a potassium supplement along with the diuretic. Other common side effects of diuretics include frequent urination, fatigue, muscle cramps, diarrhea or constipation, lightheadedness and high blood sugar levels.

ACE Inhibitors

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors effectively treat hypertension by blocking the formation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. This enzyme is a naturally occurring hormone that triggers water and sodium retention and narrows blood vessels. ACE inhibitors help to protect the kidneys of hypertension patients who also suffer from diabetes, coronary artery disease, kidney dysfunction or congestive heart failure. Common side effects of ACE inhibitors include potassium retention, dry cough and a swollen throat, tongue or lips.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers help reduce high blood pressure levels by blocking the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. This allows the blood vessels to relax and the blood to flow more freely. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are increasingly being prescribed because they don't cause any of the common side effects of other antihypertensive medicines. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are often prescribed to hypertension patients who have congestive heart failure, kidney failure, diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Calcium Channel Blockers

• Calcium channel blockers relax muscles of blood vessels by slowing down the movement of calcium into the cells of the arteries and the heart. This slowdown weakens the heart muscle contractions and dilates the blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure levels. Calcium channel blockers are frequently prescribed for patients with irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias, because they also slow the nerve impulses in the heart. Common side effects for this type of hypertension medication include headache, constipation, edema and bradycardia, which is a slowed heart rate.

Renin Inhibitors

• Renin inhibitors are hypertension medications that slow down the activity of renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys that starts a chain reaction that raises blood pressure levels. Renin inhibitors are growing in use because they keep blood pressure levels steady all day. Renin inhibitor side effects include diarrhea and difficulty swallowing or breathing due to swollen lips, throat or tongue. Renin inhibitors are fairly new, and their long-term safety and effectiveness are still being evaluated.