High Blood Pressure Medication

Many different types of medication for high blood pressure are available, and each one works in a slightly different way. Types of medications include diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors. If your doctor prescribes a drug for hypertension, 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. Various types of medication are available, 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 medications before your doctor finds the best one for you.
 
If your doctor does prescribe a medication for hypertension, you must take your pills exactly as directed -- even if you feel well. It is impossible to feel the damage that could be happening inside of your body until it is too late.
 

Types of Medication for High Blood Pressure

There are several categories of medications for the
 treatment of hypertension. 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.
     
(High Blood Pressure Medication Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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