What Is HBP What Causes HBP Blood Pressure Cholesterol Reading Charts Cures Aromatherapy Diet Herbal & Remedies Medications Monitors Symptoms Alternative Treatments Signs Women Administrative
Below is list high blood pressure medications from the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide.
The key in having patient stay on their medications is the cost of drugs. Since drugs for high blood pressure are usually taken indefinitely, cost, convenience and tolerance are extremely important in deciding on the best regimen.
With the recent launch of a three in one high blood pressure treatment pill, Sevikar HCT, in the United Kingdom, it is hoped that your blood pressure medications will be more cost effective and you'll remember to take one pill for the day instead of taking your medications at different times throughout the day.
Also, Sevikar HCT, has been added to list high blood pressure medications, comes in five tailored doses that is guaranteed to match your individual needs and lower your blood pressure in different ways. The three active ingredients contained in this combination pill are a long-acting selective angiotensin II receptor blocker; a calcium channel blocker and a diuretic.
Review the list high blood pressure medications below and add Sevikar HCT to your list of medications to discuss with your doctor in deciding on which drug is best for you. Along with lifestyle changes, such as including in your diet fruits and vegetables, eating potassium-rich foods, exercise, reduction of excessive alcohol consumption, practicing relaxation techniques, stop smoking and the lowering of your salt intake.
Being familiar with the most commonly used drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, their benefits, and side effects, is a great conversation to have with your doctor.
Choosing From The List High Blood Pressure Medications
Category
Most Commonly Used Drugs
Demonstrated Benefits
Precautions/Side Effects
Thiazide diuretics
Hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone
Can reduce risk of strokes and heart attacks; relatively inexpensive and convenient
Causes increased urination, can deplete potassium in the body, occasionally causes sexual dysfunction in men
Can reduce risk of strokes and heart attacks, protects the heart in people who have coronary artery disease, inexpensive and convenient
Can cause sleep disturbances, fatigue, and/or depression; may cause problems in people with heart block, heart failure or asthma; may cause sexual dysfunction in men
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril
Protects the kidneys in people who also have diabetes and kidney insufficiency; protects the heart in people after a major heart attack or congestive heart failure
Can sometimes cause deterioration in kidney function, dizziness, or a dry tickling cough, should not be taken by pregnant women, may cause sexual dysfunction in men
Useful for people with deteriorating kidney function; useful for people with angina
May cause headache, dizziness, weakness, constipation, edema, or rapid or slow heartbeat; generally not recommended for people with congestive heart failure; may cause sexual dysfunction in men.
Angiotensin-receptor antagonists
Losartan, irbesartan
Protects the kidneys in people who also have diabetes and kidney insufficiency; protects the heart in people after a major heart attack or congestive heart failure
May cause sexual dysfunction in men; works like ACE inhibitors, but less likely to cause cough
Methyldopa
Methyldopa
Useful during pregnancy
May cause difficulty thinking in older people; can cause illnesses such as lupus; may cause sexual dysfunction in men
Hydralazine
Hydralazine
Relative inexpensive
Can cause high fevers; may cause sexual dysfunction in men
Alpha blockers
Prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin
May improve blood levels of fats
Can cause light headedness, dizziness, headache, or drowsiness
Reserpine
Reserpine
Convenient an can take just once a day and least expensive
Can cause nasal stuffiness and depression; may cause sexual dysfunction in men