Medication for hypertension
Although lifestyle changes will help, they may not be enough for you. |
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Antihypertensive drugs
Everything you need to know about anti-hypertensives. |
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Antihypertensive drugs - advice to users
This section gives you advice on what to do at the doctor, the pharmacy and at home. |
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Diuretics
Diuretics work on the kidneys, cause salt and water to be eliminated, relax the arteries and result in a reduction of blood pressure. |
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Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers have been used for a longtime to treat hypertension. |
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Alpha blockers
Alpha blockers inhibit the effect of norepinephrine, a hormone that causes constriction of blood vessels. |
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ACE inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, are vasodilators that work by preventing the formation of angiotensin II. |
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Angiotensin II receptor blockers
These drugs inhibit the effects of angiotensin II and prevents the constriction of blood vessels and retention of salt and water, thereby lowering blood pressure. |
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Calcium channel blockers
Calcium channel blockers consist of the dihydropyridines and the nondihyropyridines. |
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Centrally-acting drugs
Centrally-acting drugs act on the central nervous system and cause blood vessels to relax and blood pressure to decrease. |
