Types Of Hypertension Drugs And Their Side Effects

Diuretics

Diuretics help your kidneys eliminate water and salt, thereby decreasing your overall blood volume and lowering your blood pressure. Sometimes called "water pills, diuretics are often the first thing that will be offered to you after your hypertension diagnosis. Diuretics can be offered as a stand-alone or in combination with other hypertension drugs. Chlorothiazide and Metolazone are examples of diuretics your doctor may prescribe you for high blood pressure.

Fortunately, changed urination does improve with time and users have told me that this side effect is really not too bothersome. Besides the increased urination, some users experience excessive thirst, low blood pressure upon changing positions, muscle cramps, skin rashes, increased uric acid levels, dizziness, irregular menstrual cycles and erectile problems. 

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are another class of medication that is commonly offered to hypertension patients. They work by slowing your heart rate down and reducing the force with which the heart beats. Beta blockers additionally widen the blood vessels, making for a better blood flow. Acebutolol and Bisoprolol are some examples of beta blockers. 

Beta blockers aren't usually the first choice of medication for hypertension — you'll be offered beta blockers only if other drugs didn't work or didn't work well enough.

Possible side effects of beta blockers include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, cold hands, and digestive-system issues like diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach. Breathing difficulties and depression are rarer and more serious side effects. Beta blockers can also raise triglyceride levels and decrease good (HDL) cholesterol. These side effects are usually temporary, but they are the reason that folks with asthma or diabetes are also not be best candidates for beta blockers. 

If you do suffer from asthma, diabetes or both, your healthcare provider will weigh the risks and benefits of prescribing beta blockers, and monitor you more carefully if you are going to be using a beta blocker. 

ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block the activity of an enzyme that narrows the blood vessels, thereby effectively widening them. Enalapril and Benazepril are two examples, and ACE inhibitors are frequently prescribed in combination with other hypertension drugs like diuretics and calcium channel blockers. 

If you do get side effects, they are likely to include a dry cough, fatigue, headaches, skin rashes and increased potassium levels. An irregular and rapid heart beat is one of the less desirable side effects of this class of medication, and you should let your doctor know if you experience changes in your heart rate. 

One important thing users should know about ACE inhibitors is that they cannot be combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. This increases the patient's risk of experiencing side effects. 

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers are also called calcium antagonists. As the name suggests, these drugs stop calcium from going into the heart and blood vessels walls and thus widening blood vessels. Some calcium channel blockers additionally slow your heart rate, like beta blockers. Examples are Felodipine and Isradipine.

See Also: How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?

While beta blockers are less effective for black and older people, calcium channel blockers tend to be a great option for these two groups — alone, or in combination with other drugs. Side effects may include constipation, headache, dizziness, nausea, swelling in the legs and feet, and a rapid heart beat.