High Blood Pressure Medication

There are many types of high blood pressure medication available, and each one works in a slightly different way. Types of high blood pressure medication include diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors. If your doctor prescribes high blood pressure medication, it is vital to your health that you take your pills exactly as directed.

 

High Blood Pressure Medication: An Overview

In addition to lifestyle changes, some people need to use high blood pressure medication to improve their condition. There are many types of high blood pressure medication, and each one works in a slightly different way. People often react to medicine in different ways, so you may need to try a few different types of high blood pressure medication before your doctor finds the best medicine for you.
 
If your doctor does prescribe high blood pressure medication, it is important to take your pills exactly as directed. Even if you feel well, you still need to take your medicine. It is impossible to feel the damage that could be happening inside of your body until it is too late.
 

Types of High Blood Pressure Medication

There are several categories of high blood pressure medication.
 Often, two or more drugs work better than one. The main types of high blood pressure medication include:
 
  • Diuretics
  • Beta blockers
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
  • Calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
  • Alpha blockers
  • Alpha-beta blockers
  • Nervous system inhibitors
  • Vasodilators.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD