BP Medication

Type Mechanism Example Remarks

Calcium Calcium channel blockers are medications used to lower Amlodipine (Norvasc) In addition to being used to treat high
Blocker blood pressure. They work by preventing calcium from Diltiazem (Cardizem, blood pressure, a doctor also may
entering the cells of the heart and arteries. Calcium causes Tiazac, others) prescribe calcium channel blockers to
the heart and arteries to squeeze (contract) more strongly. Felodipine prevent, treat or improve symptoms of
By blocking calcium, calcium channel blockers allow Isradipine conditions, such as:
blood vessels to relax and open.
Coronary artery disease
Some calcium channel blockers can also slow the heart Chest pain (angina)
rate, which can further lower blood pressure. The Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
medications may also be prescribed to relieve chest pain Blood vessel conditions, such as
(angina) and control an irregular heartbeat. Raynaud's disease
Angiotensin- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are Benazepril (Lotensin) Sometimes, another blood pressure
converting medications that help relax the veins and arteries to lower Captopril medication — such as a diuretic or
enzyme (ACE) blood pressure. ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in the Enalapril (Vasotec) calcium channel blocker — is prescribed
inhibitors body from producing angiotensin II, a substance that Fosinopril with an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors
narrows blood vessels. This narrowing can cause high Lisinopril (Prinivil, shouldn't be taken with an angiotensin
blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder. Zestril receptor blocker or with a direct renin
Angiotensin II also releases hormones that raise blood inhibitor.
pressure.

Diuretics Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, help rid your body Chlorothiazide Thiazide diuretics are recommended as
of salt (sodium) and water. Most of these medicines help Chlorthalidone one of the first drug treatments for high
your kidneys release more sodium into your urine. The Hydrochlorothiazide blood pressure.
sodium helps remove water from your blood, decreasing Bumetanide (Bumex)
the amount of fluid flowing through your veins and Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) If diuretics aren't enough to lower your
arteries. This reduces blood pressure. Furosemide (Lasix) blood pressure, your doctor might add
Amiloride (Midamor) other blood pressure medications to your
Eplerenone (Inspra) treatment plan.

Diuretics are also used to prevent, treat or


Angiotensin II Angiotensin II receptor blockers help relax your veins and
receptor arteries to lower your blood pressure and make it easier
blockers for your heart to pump blood.
Angiotensin is a chemical in your body that narrows your
blood vessels. This narrowing can increase your blood
pressure and force your heart to work harder.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the action of
angiotensin II. As a result, the medication allows your
veins and arteries to widen (dilate).
Beta Blockers Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking
agents, are medications that reduce blood pressure. Beta
blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone
epinephrine, also known as adrenaline.
Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and
with less force, which lowers blood pressure. Beta
blockers also help widen veins and arteries to improve
blood flow.
 Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats.
improve symptoms in people who have:
Heart failure
Liver failure
Tissue swelling (edema)
Certain kidney disorders, such as kidney
stones
Irbesartan (Avapro) Some people taking the angiotensin II
Losartan (Cozaar) receptor blocker olmesartan have reported
Olmesartan (Benicar) intestinal problems. Talk to your doctor if
Telmisartan (Micardis) you develop severe diarrhea or lose a lot
of weight while taking this medication.
Don't take angiotensin II receptor blockers
if you're pregnant or plan to become
pregnant because the drugs can harm a
developing fetus.
Acebutolol Beta blockers aren't recommended as a
Atenolol (Tenormin) first treatment in people who have only
Bisoprolol (Zebeta) high blood pressure. Beta blockers aren't
usually prescribed for high blood pressure
unless other medications, such as
diuretics, haven't worked well.
 Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is
resting between beats.
 Isolated Systolic Hypertension – Systolic > 130 Diastolic <80
 Isolated Diastolic Hypertension – Systolic <130 Diastolic >90
 White Coat Hypertension - occurs when blood pressure readings at a health care provider's office are higher than they are in other settings, such as
at home.