Ten most popular blood pressure drugs
- High blood pressure
- Ten most popular blood pressure drugs
- Drug classes
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
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A number of ways are available for antihypertensives to lower your blood pressure in your body. The most common types of blood pressure medications include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics. If your doctor diagnoses you with high blood pressure, you will probably need to make some lifestyle changes in order to lower your blood pressure. It is also important to take medication that will ensure you have stable control of your blood pressure as part of your treatment program.
There are several medications commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, a variety of medication classes, and a lot of questions asked about the treatment of blood pressure in this article.
Hypertension and its effects on the body
In the United States, 116 million people have high blood pressure, so you are part of that number of 116 million people who also have high blood pressure.
The problem with high blood pressure, however, is that many people do not know they have it since most people do not have any clear symptoms. A person who has this condition may find that they develop life-threatening complications over time, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes, without ever showing any warning signs that the condition is developing. High blood pressure is one of the silent killers of our society, so it has been given the name “silent killer.”
There is only one way to find out what your blood pressure is, and that is by measuring it. Blood pressure readings are a standard part of any doctor’s visit, and they are one of the most important things they do. A blood pressure monitor can also be used at home or in a pharmacy if you want to take your blood pressure there.
Having a blood pressure of less than 120/80 millimetres of mercury is considered to be normal. It is possible that high blood pressure is a result of having blood pressure that is consistently above normal.
Find out more about high blood pressure with this guide.
Ten most popular blood pressure drugs
Top 10 high blood pressure medications
It is known that antihypertensives are drugs that treat high blood pressure. Medication for hypertension works in the following ways:
- Keep your body hydrated and salt-free by reducing the amount of water and salt you consume.
- Relaxing the blood vessels prevents them from narrowing, thus preventing blood clots
- It is believed that this has an adverse effect on nerve activity, causing blood vessels to constrict
- It lowers your heart rate and helps it to beat more slowly and with less force
There are a variety of classes of antihypertensive medications, and each class consists of various drug options that can lower blood pressure. It is important that you work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that suits your needs.
Below is a list of the ten most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications based on the number of prescriptions written for them. This list includes a brief description of each drug, as well as its class, how to take it, and what it is used for. There is more information on drug classes in the next section of this article.
Ten most popular blood pressure drugs.
According to the number of prescriptions written, the following medications are the most commonly prescribed for high blood pressure:
- LISINOPRIL (PRINIVAL, ZESTRIL): Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension. The drug is usually taken once a day, and it is a drug that you take once a day. A once-daily dose of a medication is most convenient and easy for most people to remember, and most find it convenient. There is also a possibility that lisinopril could be used for the treatment of heart failure.
- Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) is a beta-blocker medication that is used to treat high blood pressure. There are two types of tablets available, one that is immediate release and another that is long-release. Aside from that, it also reduces the risk of repeat heart attacks, and additionally, it is helpful in the treatment of angina and congestive heart failure.
- Amlodipine (Norvasc) is an analgesic that blocks calcium channels and is generally used to treat hypertension. The most common way to take it is once a day. It is also possible to treat angina with amlodipine.
- Losartan (Cozaar) is a medication that works by blocking the angiotensin II receptors in the body. Generally, the dose of this medication is taken once a day. The drug is also prescribed to those with enlarged hearts to reduce the risk of strokes that can result from the disease.
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril, Microzide) , also known as Hydrochlorothiazide, is an oral diuretic medication. The capsules or tablets that you take are usually once a day, and you take them in the morning and evening. The treatment can also be used to treat fluid retention caused by heart failure or oedema from the condition.
- Furosemide (Lasix) is another medication that works as a diuretic in the body. It may be prescribed by your doctor for you to take one or two doses a day. There is a possibility that furosemide will cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun than other diuretics. It is also useful for treating oedema, just as other diuretics are.
- Carvedilol (Coreg): We have another beta-blocker in the form of this medication. A tablet is provided for twice-daily dosing, and an extended-release capsule is provided for once-daily dosing. Taking both forms with food is the best way to take them.
- Atenolol (Tenormin): this medicine also belongs to the beta-blocker class. It is usually recommended to take the drug once or twice per day. After a heart attack, this drug can help increase your chances of surviving as it works similarly to other beta-blockers.
- Spironolactone (Aldactone) is another medication that is used to treat fluid retention. As well as being available in tablet form, it can also be obtained in liquid form. If you take it once a day, you should take it twice a day.
- Catapres (clonidine) is a medication that falls under the central agonist class of medications. The medication comes in the form of a tablet that you must take twice a day. A tablet that is extended-release is also available for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Blood pressure medications are divided into various classes.
There are many classes of antihypertensive medications, and each class contains several different drugs that are sometimes used together. The result of this is that doctors are able to treat high blood pressure with a large number of different drugs.
Doctors always follow guidelines and recommendations given by experts in the field of medicine when it comes to choosing the best treatment for their patients.
It is common for physicians to prescribe the following types of antihypertensive medications:
Ten most popular blood pressure drugs.
- ACE inhibitors are a group of drugs that block an enzyme in the body from producing angiotensin, and this reduces blood pressure. The body benefits from having less angiotensin in its system by being able to relax its blood vessels. One of the side effects that is commonly associated with ACE inhibitors is the occurrence of a rash and a dry cough. It is important to note that captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril are just some examples.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers: These are pharmaceuticals that directly block the action of angiotensin to relax the blood vessels. Among the most common side effects of this medication are dizziness and feeling lightheaded, especially after standing up from a seated position. It is common for losartan and valsartan to be used as examples.
- Alpha-blockers are a class of drugs that relax the blood vessels. There is also evidence to suggest that the drugs can relax the muscles in some organs, including the bladder and prostate gland. There is a common side effect of the drug, which is dizziness, especially when getting up in the morning.
- Beta-blockers: These drugs work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the body. There are several ways in which this helps to lower blood pressure by decreasing the rate of your heart and the force of each beating. The most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications include atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol.
- Calcium channel blockers belong to a group of drugs that relax the blood vessels and lower the heart rate. Possible side effects of this medication include heart palpitations, ankle swelling, constipation, headaches, and dizziness, among others. Amlodipine and felodipine are two examples of these drugs.
- A central agonist is a class of drugs that reduce heart rate and relax blood vessels by affecting certain nerve signals that come from the brain. The most common side effects of this drug are dry mouth, constipation, and drowsiness. A few examples of these drugs are clonidine and guanfacine.
- Diuretics: These drugs increase the amount of fluid the body is able to eliminate through urination as a result of the increase in fluid production. There are many people out there who call diuretics “water pills.” By reducing the amount of blood in your body, the pressure inside your arteries decreases. It has been found that some of the side effects of diuretics are increased urination, thirst, dizziness, and sensitivity to sunlight. It is possible to take furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide as examples of these medications.
Questions & answers
Ten most popular blood pressure drugs
High blood pressure treatment frequently asked questions are answered below.
What is first-line therapy for blood pressure?
First-line therapy for high blood pressure includes several classes of drugs. ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin II receptor blockers are thiazide diuretics.
Why do doctors choose blood pressure medications?
You will be considered by your doctor when choosing among these classes.
African American people may benefit most from thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers, according to studies. ACE inhibitors are better for diabetics.
How much should you take when you start taking medication?
High blood pressure medication generally aims to lower your blood pressure to less than 130/80 mm Hg. Age and other medical conditions may affect this goal.
High blood pressure medication: how do doctors know it’s working?
You will be regularly monitored after starting treatment. Blood pressure may be controlled by adjusting the dosage, changing drugs, or adding a second medication.
Any first-line class of medication can be used as a second. There may be a need to consider another class of antihypertensives, such as beta-blockers.
Medications for high blood pressure have many side effects.
Medication classes vary in side effects. Generally, lowering your blood pressure can cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
Classes have very specific side effects. The diuretic increases urination, while the ACE inhibitor causes a dry cough.
Symptoms of new medications should be reported to your doctor if you notice any changes.
Summary
The treatment of high blood pressure is varied. Your doctor should be consulted if you are experiencing side effects. You might get better results from a different drug.
