Side Effects of Hypertension Drugs

There are many drugs on the market to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, and they work in a variety of ways. The most common ways include blocking or inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzymes, angiotensin II receptors or calcium channels. With close to 200 versions available, the options seem endless. Patients are most concerned with how well the medications treat hypertension and their possible side effects.

Perindopril

• Widely known by the brand name Aceon, this popular blood pressure medication works by blocking angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE), which cause the blood vessels to narrow and sodium and fluid to be retained by the kidneys. As an ACE inhibitor, perindopril allows the blood vessels to relax and allows the heart to pump more freely and under less pressure. Possible common side effects include abnormal skin sensations, arm or leg pain, back pain, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, light-headedness, nausea, runny nose and weakness. If these problems persist, or more serious problems arise, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention.

Eprosartan

• Teveten is one popular brand name associated with eprosartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which works in a similar fashion as perindopril by relaxing the blood vessels to allow a free flow of blood through the body at a lower pressure.
  Common side effects include dizziness, joint pain and upper respiratory tract infections. Eprosartan should not be taken during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

Eprosartan/Hydrochlorothiazide

• This combination drug known by the brand name Teveten HCT combines the ARB in eprosartan with a diuretic, hydrocholrothiazide, which prevents fluid retention and helps remove sodium from the body. Common side effects include back pain, dizziness and light-headedness especially when sitting or standing up. This drug combination should not be taken during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

Terazosin

• Known as the brand Hytrin, terazosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker that causes veins and arteries to relax and expand, therefore lowering blood pressure. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate. It is used to treat enlarged prostate as well. Common side effects include weakness, headache, numbness or tingling, stuffy nose and blurred vision. Call your doctor immediately if you experience fast or pounding heartbeats, light-headedness, fainting, swelling of the hands, ankles or feet, painful erections or erections lasting four or more hours.

Verapamil

• Known as a variety of popular medications including Calan, Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM, Isoptin and Isoptin I.V., verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing the muscles of the heart and the blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, skin rash or itching, dizziness, headache, tiredness, warmth, itching, redness or a tingly feeling under the skin.